In Japan, local public entities such as prefectures, cities, wards, towns, and villages handle administration that is closely connected to residents' lives. Just as local autonomy is said to be "the school of democracy," participation in local politics is also a place to learn the foundations of democracy.
Basic Knowledge
The Constitution of Japan guarantees local autonomy in Chapter VIII (Articles 92〜95). The fundamental principle of local autonomy consists of two elements: organizational autonomy (the autonomy of local entities independent of the national government) and resident autonomy (residents participating in local politics themselves). In addition to elections (executives and council members), residents can participate in politics through direct petitions. The main types of direct petitions are requests to enact, amend, or repeal ordinances (signatures from at least 1/50 of eligible voters → submitted to the council), recall requests (requests to remove executives or council members) (signatures from at least 1/3 → approval by a majority in a resident referendum), and requests to dissolve the council (signatures from at least 1/3 → approval by a majority in a resident referendum). With the enactment of the Omnibus Decentralization Act in 2000, the transfer of authority from the national government to local governments advanced, and delegated agency functions were abolished. In recent years, cases involving resident referendums have also increased (such as issues concerning nuclear power plants and military bases), expanding opportunities for residents to participate in politics.
Fundamental principle of local autonomy (the basic philosophy of local autonomy consisting of the two principles of organizational autonomy and resident autonomy)
Direct petition (a system through which residents can make direct political demands by collecting a certain number of signatures)
Recall (a resident-initiated request to remove an executive or council member)
Omnibus Decentralization Act (enacted in 2000. Abolished delegated agency functions and placed the national and local governments in an equal relationship)
Resident referendum (a vote through which residents directly express their will. It often lacks legally binding force)
Ordinance (a regulation independently established by a local public entity. It can be enacted within the scope of the law)
In-Depth Study (Background and Significance)
Before World War II, Japan had a centralized system, and local governments functioned as outposts of the national government. Local autonomy was explicitly established in the postwar Constitution, guaranteeing self-government by residents, but strong national government involvement continued for a long time. Following recommendations from the Decentralization Promotion Committee in the 1990s, the Omnibus Decentralization Act was enacted in 2000, transforming the relationship between the national and local governments from "superior-subordinate and master-servant" to "equal and cooperative." In recent years, discussions about introducing a 道州制, strengthening local finances through hometown tax donations, and transferring authority to designated cities and core cities have also progressed. Local autonomy is a place where residents can experience politics most directly and is important as a place for practicing democracy.
- Remember the phrase "Local autonomy is the school of democracy" (Bryce)
- Signature requirements for direct petitions: enactment, amendment, or repeal of ordinances = at least 1/50; recall = at least 1/3
- A recall requires approval by a majority of voters in a resident referendum
- Omnibus Decentralization Act (2000): abolished delegated agency functions and made the national and local governments equal
- Sources of local public entities' revenue: local taxes, local allocation tax, national treasury disbursements, etc.
- Resident referendum results often lack legally binding force
- Executives and councils are chosen through direct elections by residents (dual representative system)
Points to Note (Easily Confused)
① Do not confuse the signature requirements for direct petitions: enactment, amendment, or repeal of ordinances requires at least 1/50, while recalls and council dissolutions require at least 1/3 (there are relaxation provisions when the number of eligible voters is large). ② Resident referendums and national referendums are different: resident referendums are conducted at the local level and, in principle, lack legally binding force. A national referendum (Article 96) is conducted when amending the Constitution, and its result has legally binding force. ③ Dual representative system: at the local level, both executives and council members are chosen by direct election by residents, unlike in national politics (where citizens do not directly elect the Prime Minister). ④ Ordinances can be enacted within the scope of the law and may establish penalties.
Practice
- What is the "fundamental principle of local autonomy"? Explain the two aspects of "organizational autonomy" and "resident autonomy."
- What procedures are required when residents seek the recall of an executive? Describe the number of signatures and the resident referendum.
- How did the relationship between the national and local governments change as a result of the Omnibus Decentralization Act enacted in 2000?