Introduction

The Kasumigaseki district in downtown Tokyo, where most central government buildings are located, is often referred to as the ‘think tank of the Japanese government’. This phrase is testimony to the fact that bureaucracy plays a significant role in the policymaking process in Japan. However, one would wonder why this think tank has an in-house think tank. Rather than directly engaging in scientific or technological research and development, most ministries in Kasumigaseki have within them a think tank or a research body that conducts research on policies. Ministries have internal bureaus or divisions that engage in planning, research and deliberation on policies that fall under their jurisdiction. Research bodies that are separate from such internal bureaus also exist. Other countries that adopt a parliamentary system, like the UK, typically have training institutions or universities intended for civil servants, but research bodies that focus on policies are not so common. However, what roles do such bodies play and what functions do they perform in Japan?

If a think tank is defined as an entity that, while not an organisation charged with drawing up or implementing policies, has the capacity to provide ideas on policies to the greater society from different perspectives to those of such an organisation, and through its activities, makes the process of policy formulation public and adds diversity and competition to such processes (Suzuki, 2007: 108), then research bodies that belong to ministries are clearly not think tanks in this sense. As they are organisations within ministries, they are not purely independent. However, why do ministries have such a think tank? Simply put, many officials in Kasumigaseki are too busy with day-to-day tasks to acquire or accumulate new knowledge or information, and are not able to analyse policies adequately with a medium-to long-term view. Also, the process of policy formulation has tended to be influenced by the logic of the supply side and the interests of specific parties, and has not always worked to optimise social welfare.

Policy research institutes of ministries have often become the target of administrative reform initiatives, but it cannot be said that their roles, functions, limitations and issues have been sufficiently analysed or evaluated.