The Making of Political Demands in Japan

AKING POLITICAL DEMANDS (the articulation function, as it is sometimes .LV.L called) is aspect of Japanese politics where modernization has made some of most spectacular gains in recent years, especially since end of Allied Occupation in i952. At same time traditional behaviour, while giving ground to advance of political modernization, has often persisted or been adapted even to rather highly specialized political groups.' Traditional behaviour-essential in any political system-has nevertheless taken some unexpected forms in both individual and collective lobbying in Japan. It is purpose of this article to compare some of different styles used in making political demands in Japan today as well as to consider trend of development. While articulation function is carried on by most diverse agencies from individual to cliques within parties, this account will concentrate on individuals, clubs, cliques and organized associations which have attracted much attention in recent years as they have adapted themselves to contemporary conditions.2 The individual, even though he may be principally representing himself, is here regarded as the small unit. He is apt to be particularly effective in making political demands if he has overlapping roles as a leader in a family, local community group, or business firm. He may ask for political help in locating a job for a relative or friend, settling a land problem, or a consideration for his business. It is at this level that particularism in form of personal obligations or loyalty of a traditional kind is most prominent. If individual making demands has an important financial base or

Political economy · Political science · Politics · Sociology · Japanese History and Culture · Law