Administrative reform in Japan: past developments and future trends

This article examines the place that the reform of central government ministries the 'Hashimoto reforms' - has occupied within the context of administrative reform in the last half of the 20th century. The first part traces the administrative reforms attempted by successive governments, with particular reference to the Hashimoto reforms in comparison with the earlier highly productive 'Rincho' reforms. The article also identifies the controversial points inherent in the Hashimoto reforms and considers the implications of these reforms for Japanese government in the 21st century. Brief reference is also made to the administrative reforms being pursued by the government as of 2004.