LAS122 Politics, Economy and Society in Japan

Spring semester 2025/26

20 credits;

Module Organiser: Dr Yi  Zhu (Zoe) (yi.zhu@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

This module is an introduction to postwar Japanese politics, economy and society. We will explore what the characteristics of Japanese culture and society are and how the interaction between domestic interest groups, socio-cultural norms, and external influence mainly from the West and China has shaped contemporary Japan’s politics and economy. We will use Sugimoto’s ‘An Introduction to Japanese Society (2nd Edition: electronic version; 5th Edition: printed version)’ as the main textbook as well as a number of relevant academic works to investigate major topics on Japan by examining various scholars’ research questions, theories, concepts, and main arguments as well as the contributions and shortcomings of their works. The topics of this module include key domestic actors and cultural norms, international relations with China and the US, the impact of American-led liberal international order (including globalisation, the growing influence of financial capital and digitalisation), and labour casualisation, demographic and gender issues. Several lectures will be provided to familiarise students with some main themes of contemporary Japan. In seminars, students will engage in group discussions on weekly topics.

Topics Covered

•  Cultural norms and theories

•  Key domestic actors – Liberal Democratic Party, bureaucracy, business lobbies

• Japan under American hegemony

• China’s rise and Japan

• Impact of globalisation, financialisation and digitalisation on Japan

•  Labour market dualism

• Gender issues

• Social welfare and ageing society

Skills Development

• Critical Thinking

• Academic Writing

• Cultural Agility and Global Awareness

• Independent learning

• Communication Skills

Study Hours

• Lecture: 6 hours

• Seminar: 14 hours

• Independent study: 180 hours

Assessment

• Essay 100%