| The most important long-term political forces operative in the Japanese political system are the interplay of decentralized community authority and the consolidation of that authority toward the top. The mura kyodotai (village community) concept is representative of both types of authority, neither of which has defined boundaries. An examination of the nature of indigenous community authority may provide the broad context for a valid understanding of Japanese decision making.;Local authority, based upon place, remains strong, and political organization has legitimated the diverse and competitive small, community-like groupings in village and company. Higher authority assumes, because of group diversity, the necessity for constant compromise and fusion toward the top. For the individual, self is strong. "Ultimate concern" is to the concrete group, with secondary orientation to the higher "universals.".;Contemporary political organization under the kyodotai concept values small groupings--neighborhood associations--and their links to political support groups and factions. Mass political organizations assume secondary importance. Bureaucratic linkages stress a two-way flow of authority with competitive economic and social groupings represented through policy research groups delegated specific problems. Leadership and responsibility are, thereby, inclusive.;Governmental response to environmental demands, as in computer technology, is perceived as reactive, grievance-settling and inclusive, with general goal setting for continual negotiation--a model not readily applicable to most decision-making approaches.;Under the ideal of this order, Japanese political organization has valued the structure of Shinto: polytheistic local authority, plus conflated authority of church and state. Buddhism and Confucianism have provided direction and moral force to preserve traditional order. |
