The conditions and the consequences of the movement demanding the civil society institutions: The case of NPO law in Japan

The institutions to develop civil society in Japan are now being established. In 1998, NPO Law (Law to Promote Specified Nonprofit Activities) was legislated, that enables many civil society organizations to get legal status. Then, in 2011, NPO Law was drastically revised, making such NPOs much easier to collect contributions. These legislation and revision of NPO Law were consequences of continuous lobbying by civil society organizations themselves.

This paper examines how the movement demanding the development of civil society institutions in Japan succeeded, and what consequences this movement produced. In order to accomplish these objects, we interviewed the members of civil society organizations and politicians concerned. We also collected the material of public policy.

Major findings are summarized below. The legislation of NPO Law in 1998 and the revision in 2011 were caused by the similar combination of political and social conditions: the change of government and the great earthquake.

In early 1990s, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost domination and formed the coalition with Japan Socialist Party (JSP). This made LDP to compromise with the progressive forces. Then, The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake occurred in 1995. The activities of volunteers contribute the legislation of NPO Law. In 2009, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) won a majority against LDP. DPJ’s socially liberal policies included the revision of NPO Law. Although there was a sharp confrontation between DPJ and LDP, all parties agreed with the importance of NPO Law after The Great East Japan Earthquake.

Between 1998 and 2011, however, the role of civil society organizations has changed. In 1990s, the civil society organizations were considered to be “left”, so they had trouble to persuade the conservative politicians. By contrast, in 2010s, civil society organizations functioned like a hinge party in the confusion among parties.