Once again we are confronted with the very powerful term and constant thing in life – change. Much has been said and done. Mountains have been moved. And still after how many tries, just like an Energizer bunny, I-you-we-they just keep “going and going and going and going…” Do we learn from such experiences, whether they were good and beneficial, or bad and disadvantageous? Let’s all hope that we did because these things help shape and develop our being. And as the old saying goes, “everything happens for a reason.”
Though not bluntly stated, change comes in its own disguises such as the word reform. I would like to believe that reform makes the word – change, come out in a more positive and affirming manner. If change has quite negative connotations, reform on the other hand gives off an impression of advantageous situations. It suggests that whatever was originally planned or laid out may still be further developed into a more benevolent and responsive situation and with regard to our main topic for this entry – a more benevolent and responsive political system that is.
Japan’s history has experienced a number of reforms in all styles, shapes, and sizes. Dating back to its earlier centuries, the Land of the Rising Sun had already established a system which was most favorable for them during those days. But it was only after a series of events when Japan experienced a considerable amount of restructuring and this was no other than the Meiji Era. During this period Japan had undergone massive changes in its political and social structure. Because of the formation of alliances between the leaders of the Satsuma and Choshu domains, the most remembered era (as of the moment) laid its foundation. This led to the restoration of the emperor’s power which was disregarded during the Tokugawa period. The once isolated and feudal society of Japan had slowly opened its doors to the rest of the word making it an industrialized capitalist economy with a whole new set of influences. But it was not a perfect period as well since most of the riots and clashes happened during this time of enormous reformation. The Meiji Oligarchy was established and this led to many undertakings since it consolidated the emperor’s powers towards the shoguns, daimyos, and samurai classes; people of the Edo period. Lands of the daimyos were seized and returned to the emperor. Samurai’s were given fixed stipends, their privilege to posses arms were then further extended to every Japanese male, and they no longer could carry in public any weapon or sword which once showed their status in the society. These then allowed a reformation in the military system of Japan as every male upon turning 21 years of age are mandated to serve in the armed forces for four years and an additional 3 years in the reserves slowly leading to the abolishment of the samurai classes. But never the less, since they were educated men, these nobles of before continued to live their lives as they landed for themselves good job opportunities. Truly, though their titles were abolished their spirit as guardians of the country ruled on.
It was only on the 22nd of December 1885 after studying a number of governmental organization reformations and traveling to Europe by Itō Hirobumi, Saionji Kinmochi, and Ito Miyoji when the Daijo-kan System; originally used in the Nara period and adopted after the Meiji Restoration, was abolished and the rise of the Prime Minister together with his cabinets were established.
From Koizumi to Abe, Abe to Fukuda, Fukuda to Aso, and now Aso to maybe Ozawa, makes one ask where is Japan headed to and for a Japanese citizen – where are we headed to? Japan’s future just like all else’s is unpredictable. One minute things are like this, next minute it’s the exact opposite. But there is no one to blame for such reforms because who in his or her right state of mind would do such measures for their own sake right? So is it possible to conclude that since Japan is a conformist society, they too conform to the calls of their times therefore making them reform the political system every time they see that it should be? Maybe.
I come to such a conclusion because of the things I have read. Take for example Taro Aso’s actions in adopting a basic policy that would reform Japan’s fiscal budget for 2009. This means that he has to knock on the doors of Koizumi, Abe, and Fukuda who all have used the original reformist fiscal policies during their reign. This is because as compared to their times, Japan today is experiencing a recession in their economy, on that has quite shook its country due to the global financial crisis we are all experiencing now. By Aso’s courageous, flexible, and resilient steps in reforming the country’s fiscal budget and drafting more stimulus packages he will be putting more priority on the once very well established economy of Japan and its livelihood. “Pump-priming” measures will be used as well to boost the country’s “flat line” economy. Another thing I have observed in Aso’s actions is how he remembered to consult with his fellow ruling parties about furthering his actions. This shows that he is mindful of his fellowmen and their capabilities as well which may help their country. But in carrying out his mission, things may be a bit challenging since some senior members of the LDP and executives have some things to say for themselves which somehow counter that of Aso’s. More so, Kaoru Yosano, Japan’s economic and fiscal policy minister “stressed that the government has not abandoned the reform plans initiated by Koizumi” (Fukuda & Nagata). But whether it has abandoned it or not is not the case. Aso was right in saying that “it is not impossible for economic reform and financial restoration to coexist and progress at the same time” (Fukuda & Nagata). At the end of the day Aso’s actions and measures in retaining the government’s goal in achieving a primary budget surplus is still what counts.
Aside from Aso’s steps towards reformation, a man named Ichiro Ozawa who was once a member of the LDP himself goes into the spotlight as well. As the head of the opposing party (DPJ) of the LDP, Ozawa pledges and proposes to the people of Japan measures in achieving proper politics by preparing himself for a battle in creating a two-party system. As compared to the others in office his means of reformation is carried out in 3 pledges and 7 proposals.
There are a number of other prospects that’s for sure. These are only a few of them. People have the capacity and ability to reform their political system if done collectively. But would it be stable and healthy? Though we hope it would, that would be unpredictable. Because for every step towards reform comes in a whole new set of things to deal with. One must remember that flexibility is the key because times change and so sticking to one thing alone always is not the way to go.
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