Public accountability and responsible governance: the case of Japanese public administration
In this article the writer argues that Japanese Public Administration is far from satisfactory, lacking public accountability and dominated by the powerful KANRYO (bureaucrats). While admitting that the KANRYO are a select group of highly qualified, effective and efficient elitist group within the administration, they also alienate themselves from the ordinary people and are insensitive and indifferent to the needs of the Japanese public. The writer goes on to discuss the tremendous power and authority of the KANRYO which is characterised in terms of Discretionary Powers, Licencing and Approval Powers and Controls Over Integovernmental Relationships. Reproduced
Public Administration - Japan Civil Service - Japan