Includes bibliographical references (p. [282]-288) and index.

Historical background :Japan's emergence as a modern state and the p olitics of war, 1853-1945 -- Social background : how far social norms and behaviour influence politics -- Political reconstruction and develo pment, 1945-1989 -- One step forward and one step back: attempting poli tical reform in the 1990s -- New politics for the new millennium: the K oizumi effect -- Who runs Japan? -- Parliament and parliamentary elec tions: the changing character of electioneering -- The politics of part y: the liberal democrats and their rivals -- Some problems of the const itution -- Issues of domestic political concern -- Issues of foreign po licy and defence.