Content

This module provides a critical and interdisciplinary overview of the major legal and political developments that have shaped—and continue to shape—the policymaking process in Japan. Drawing on perspectives from political science, law, history, and sociology, the course emphasizes both top-down and bottom-up processes in Japanese governance. It focuses on how law operates within society, particularly through constitutional, criminal, and civil law. However, the aim is not to analyze these laws in isolation, but to explore how they function within the social fabric of Japan.

Why focus on law? Law is a fundamental aspect of everyday life in all societies: it provides predictability, helps avoid anarchy, and secures cooperation among members of society by prioritizing the common good over individual gain (law as a tool for stability in society). Law is also a tool for action when people or groups feel excluded, discriminated against, or believe they are being treated unjustly (law as a tool for social change). This course examines the central features of Japan's legal system, viewing law as a social institution and exploring its relationship with other societal systems. We will focus on the role of key actors in the legal system and the interplay between social stability, and change. Additionally, the course emphasizes the relationship between law and broader economic, political, and social processes.

From the perspective of the sociology of law (or socio-legal studies), we will examine how law serves as both a practical resource for addressing social issues (a tool for change) and a set of shared representations and aspirations (for stability). The course will explore how legal professionals (lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers) and ordinary citizens mobilize and use law. Due to time constraints, we cannot cover every aspect of Japan’s legal system or every actor involved. Instead, we will focus on key topics that illustrate the situational and systemic demands placed on actors within the legal system. At the same time, we will seek to identify patterns in how law interacts with and influences society.

Course material

This course does not adopt a textbook. The study materials will be composed of selected readings. All resources will be made available in digital format. It is fundamental that you keep up (read, study, prepare) with the seminar materials listed for each week (details will be given on Toledo). 

Format: more information

The course will be taught over weekly, two-hour classes. Some classes will feature a short lecture plus a research seminar, while other classes will be fully hands-on research seminar. The course format requires full and active in-class participation (as part of the assessment). You will receive detailed instruction for seminar preparation and activities each week. You are expected to check Toledo regularly, prepare for the seminar according to instructions for each week and to actively participate in class, engaging with questions, activities, and debates both on a individual and group-work basis.