When the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan regained the power led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in December 2012, Japan’s government embarked on a set of economic policies dubbed “Abenomics.” These policies aimed at ending Japan’s economic stagnation and restoring growth.  As the Abe administration enters its 7th year the prime minister looks likely to become the longest serving head of state in the post war era.  Abenomics also seems have achieved some degree of success.  The economy has enjoyed its longest phase of expansion in the post war era.  The unemployment is at a record low with many employers claiming they can’t find enough workers.  However Abenomics has yet to achieve its stated goals of 2% inflation rate and 2% real growth. Can Abenomic really be considered a success?

To discuss these issues, JSPS San Francisco (JSPS) and Stanford University’s Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) held a joint symposium titled “The Political Economy of Japan under the Abe Government” at Stanford University on March 1 and 2.

This was the second year in a row that this symposium was held. About 25 scholars from various parts of the US and Japan joined us to present and discuss papers that address the political economy of the Abe government and assess its long-term implications for Japan.

The conference focused on three themes: (1) what economic policies did the Abe government seek to implement, and to what extent have the objectives been achieved; (2) the implications of the Abe government on longstanding debates about Japanese politics; and (3) Abe’s foreign policy and its implications for the broader region. The papers presented at this event will be edited into a conference volume that should be published by 2020.

JSPS San Francisco will continue to support events like this that strengthen global academic exchange.

For more information about JSPS San Francisco Office, please contact us: webmaster@jspsusa-sf.org or visit our website: http://www.jspsusa-sf.org/index.php

JSPSサンフランシスコ研究連絡センターでは、昨年に引き続きスタンフォード大学との共催シンポジウム “The Political Economy of Japan under the Abe”（安倍政権における日本の政治経済学） を2019年3月1日-2日に開催しました。