Japan Decides 2014

"The 2014 Japanese election was framed as a referendum on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's signature 'Abenomics' policies. This 'bait and switch' election saw the focus on Abenomics give little indication of the policy changes to come immediately after the polls closed. Collecting original and high-quality analysis by top scholars from Japan, the United States, Australia, and Europe, this volume analyzes and explains the results of the 2014 election. Chapters examine each of the major political parties, central policy issues, campaign practices, questions of gender, and consider how the results were used as a mandate for massive policy reforms. The text reveals the true significance of this election, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of Japanese Politics and is vital reading for anyone interested in Japanese electoral politics, as well as comparative electoral practices"--