LAS458 Postwar Japanese Politics

Autumn Semester 2025/26

15 credits

Module Organiser: Dr Saori Shibata ( s.shibata@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

This module examines the institutional and procedural contexts of postwar Japanese politics. It begins with an analysis of the core institutions— the National Diet, the Cabinet and the Prime Minister—before moving on to the processes that shape Japan’s democracy. Particular attention is given to the dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party, the role of opposition parties, the influence of the media, and questions of gender and political participation. The module then turns to two key policy arenas of contemporary significance: economic reform and security policy reform. Throughout, students will develop the tools to conduct comparative, critical, and historical analyses of Japan’s postwar political landscape. 

Topics Covered

• The Japanese Legislature: The Diet 

• The Japanese Executive: The Cabinet and Prime Minister 

• Opposition Parties and Political Competition

• Women in Japanese Politics

• Media, Public Opinion, and Politics

• Postwar Nationalism and Political Identity

• Defence and security

• Economic Policy and Political Economy

Skills Development

• Academic Writing & Critical Thinking

Students will develop robust academic writing and critical thinking skills through seminar-led discussions of assigned readings and by crafting analytical responses in written assignments. A critical, analytical and creative thinker – you will be able to compare political concepts at the abstract level as well as apply them to real-life and historical situations to fashion your own original understanding of Japan’s role in the world. The module encourages you to be a critical, analytical and creative thinker. These skills align with the Seffiled Graduate Attributes framework’s emphasis on developing persuasive, reasoned arguments and clear communication skills supported by Sheffield’s StudySkills@Sheffield resources, including workshops and one-to-one consultations aimed at strengthening structure, argumentation, referencing, and style.

• Independent Learning

Our module encourages independent learning via a structured schedule of weekly tasks, requiring students to plan, source materials, and manage their study effectively. This mirrors the Sheffield Graduate Attributes and is reinforced by tools such as mySkills, where students can reflect on their independent learning progress, set goals, and build a personalised skills portfolio.

• Collaboration, Influence & Intercultural Awareness

Students will develop teamwork, influential communication, and intercultural awareness through group tasks and discussions. The module's focus on media, gender, and opposition politics further promotes critical engagement within diverse perspectives. Opportunities to reflect on these experiences via mySkills help students consciously build their capacities for collaboration, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 150 hours working on a 15-credit module. This will include:

• Lecture: 10 hours

• Seminar: 10 hours

• Independent study hours: 130 hrs