Why Japan Maintains Policy Stability Through Frequent Prime Minister Alternation?

In this study, the overall thesis mainly focuses on a core politicalphenomenon and two key theoretical concepts. The core political phenomenonrefers to the frequent replacement of the prime minister for a long time, whilemaintaining relatively stable policies, sustainable domestic political operation,and a good order in the society. The two key theoretical concepts involving theresearch method and the theoretical basis, are the theory of historicalinstitutionalism which is under the umbrella of new institutionalism, and thetheory of government process, including the theory of policy process and policystability.The phenomenon of frequent replacement of Prime Ministers in Japanwhile maintaining stable policies can be explained by the stability of maininstitutions in that country. Under these institutions, Prime Minister and theCabinet does not enjoy a decisive power in policymaking, while Congress andbureaucracy play a more critical role in the process. Through a historicalanalysis based on the framework of path dependence, this study finds that theinstitutional stability is the key to answer the question mentioned above.Scientific rationale and the stability of basic political and administrative institutions determine policy stability in Japan, and the initial institution will greatly influence its future development. Therefore, we should pay great attention to overall plan and design in institution building, in order to ensure the relative stability of the core institutions.