Japan

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is marked by the absence of any one center of political accountability: A kafkaesque 'system' of power links semi-autonomous groups sharing in the exercise of power where no one is ultimately in charge and there is no hard core, as it were, of institutions. Japan is a spider web without a spider at the center.

Many Japanese, as well as academic specialist on Japan, insist that Japan is different from the West and 'different' often means 'unique.' Karel Van Wolferen, for example, in a perceptive and widely noted book, insist on a sharp contrast between 'Japan' and 'the West.' What is unique about Japan, he suggests, is the absence of any one center of political accountability: a Kafkaesque 'System' of power links semiautonomous groups sharing in the exercise of power. A complex of overlapping hierarchies has no peak. 'No one is ultimately in charge.' The System is neither monolithic nor pluralistic. Although it lacks a political center, it does have a 'hard core, as it were, of institutions numerous, closely packed, interconnected that are tightly harnessed. Japan is a spider web without a spider at the center. In such a system there are no brakes, no compass. Informed public debate, political accountability, and informed political choice are all but impossible. Japan's collusive political oligopoly may be advantageous for economic groth at home and economic expansion abroad, but it vitiates a liberal democratic politics and a responsible foreign policy.

is not a 'normal' capitalist economy in that it is without a responsible, central political authority, thus enabling no means to change Japanese's post-war consensus for strong economic growth.

Karel van Wolferen's analysis of Japanese politics has much in common with Johnson's critique, a claim that Japan is not a 'normal' capitalist economy', but van Wolferen added the argument that there is no responsible, central political authority in Japan. A consensus was established during the postwar period for strong economic growth, and there is no leader or consensus among several political leaders that can change that consensus.

is not a sovereign state, i.e. A state with central organs of government which can both recognize what is good for the country and bear ultimate responsibility for national decision-making.

for the country and bear ultimate responsibility for national decision-making Worse, it is argued that Japan is not a sovereign state, i.e. 'a state with central organs of government which can both recognize what is good for the country and bear ultimate responsibility for national decision-making' (van Wolferen 1986/1987: 289).

Karel van WolferenThinkers

Karel van Wolferen