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The Politics and Repercussions of Japanese Postal Reform

Colloquium with Patricia Maclachlan, Asian Studies and Government, University of Texas at Austin

Monday, November 13, 2006
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Faculty Center
Hacienda Room
Los Angeles, CA 90095

The seemingly arcane issue of Japanese postal privatization was at the heart of Prime Minister Koizumi's ambitious political agenda since early in his career; by subjecting the mail delivery, postal savings, and postal insurance services to competition, Koizumi aimed at nothing less than the wholesale transformation of party politics, interest group alliances, and government financial policy. But why did it take Koizumi so long to pass his legislation? And to what extent will his privatization plan change the political economy? How, finally, will postal reform affect the lives of ordinary Japanese? To answer these questions, Patricia Maclachlan will explore the history and politics of the Japanese post office, paying particular attention to the institutions, interest groups, and ideas that have defined this most symbolic of Japanese institutions.

The event is free and open to UCLA students, staff, and invited guests.

Read the article about the event

Sponsor(s): Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies