The Constitution of Japan - (Constitutional Systems of the World) by Shigenori Matsui (Paperback)

About the Book

This book explains Japan's Constitution, together with a number of its unique characteristics alongside a useful historical background and context.

Book Synopsis

Japan boasts the second largest economy in the world and almost two thousand years of history. Yet, its first modern constitution, the Meiji Constitution, was not enacted until comparatively recently (1889). Since then, following World War II, Japan adopted its current Constitution, the Japanese Constitution of 1946. This book is designed to explain the outline of Japan's Constitution, together with a number of its unique characteristics and to offer an historical background and context which help explain its significance. Major topics covered include the constitutional history of Japan, fundamental principles of the Constitution, the people and the Emperor, the Diet and legislative power, Cabinet and executive power, and the Judiciary and judicial power. Also discussed is the protection of fundamental human rights, individual rights - including freedom of expression, economic freedoms, and social rights - pacifism and national defence, and the constitutional amendment and reform. Although the Japanese Constitution was enacted under the strong influence of the United States Constitution, many of its features are very different. For instance the existence of an Emperor, the long dominance of a conservative party over the Government, the relatively strong power of government bureaucrats, the absence of a leadership role in the Prime Minister, the small role the judiciary play in solving constitutional disputes and the struggle over national defence. Written in an accessible style and comprehensive in content, the reader will find this account of the constitutional law of Japan both unique and stimulating.

Review Quotes

"Professor Matsui's volume is the first major treatment of Japanese constitutional law to appear in English in several years, and will be accessible to students and scholars alike as an excellent introduction to the field. The volume is easy to use, with a handy table of constitutional articles and legislation, as well as suggestions for further reading for those so inclined." --Tom Ginsburg, Japan Review, Volume 25

"...a concise and balanced description of the legal structure of the Japanese constitution." --Kazuhiro Takii, Journal of Japanese Studies, Volume 40. Number 1

About the Author

Shigenori Matsui is Director of Japanese Legal Studies at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.