Author

Kitae Lee, Yonsei University

Abstract

Utilizing a political leadership perspective, this study analyzes the construction and implementation of Ichiro Ozawa’s plans to build a new Japan during the economic slowdown of the 1990s. In 1993, Ozawa proposed his plans to build a new nation in his Blueprint for a New Japan. The key pillars of his plan consisted of post-war theory, political reform theory, and normal nation theory.

Based on this new design, Ozawa exercised an autocratic form of leadership during the so-called “lost decade” of the 1990s. This paper examines how Ozawa exercised his autocratic leadership by perceiving the opportunity structure, and utilizing creative policies, as well as his ability to mobilize the necessary resources.

Following the end of the Cold War, Ozawa recognized new challenges facing Japan’s foreign policy and exercised an autocratic form of leadership by advocating for Japan to be a “normal country.” This included passage of the PKO Cooperation Act which was a move away from the Yoshida Doctrine. Ozawa also caught the public desire for political reform and led efforts to construct a new political structure different from the old stagnant politics by implementing reforms such as the single-member electorate system. However, Ozawa’s leadership shows the limitations of a tyrannical leadership characterized by the lack of means to persuade the people and other political leaders into approving his goals.

The full text in Korean is available here