The State Structure Nexus between Japan and China: Are these “Unique”, “Mystical” Systems?

Abstract

Even though Japan has been “westernized” to some extent and has a different political system than China, both countries share similar characteristics of administrative functioning. How do bureaucratic systems function in Japan and China despite the different political systems? Are their systems “unique” or “mystical” ? Although each state uses different formulas to innovate policies across different levels of government, both nations use similar methods to organize bureaucrats. In addition, even though Japan and China share many elements of culture, their policy-making processes by bureaucrats differ. This article focuses on one aspect of state structure, the organization of the politics-administrative nexus, to examine the executive branch, administrative departments and top bureaucratic roles in both political systems.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Unryu Suganuma

Unryu Suganuma is at the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Unites States.