Gradual Institutional Change in Japan: Kantei Leadership under the Abe Administration : Routledge : 9780367623364 : 0367623366 : 30 Dec 2020 : "This book analyses institutional reforms implemented by Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzåo, under his second administration from 2012 to 2020. Also examined is the evolution in the role of such actors in Japanese politics as bureaucrats, LDP factions and backbenchers of the ruling party. Chapters offer multi-dimensional explanations for the preconditions of successful gradual institutional change in political systems, characterized by relatively strong veto players, rigid governmental structures, and numerous unofficial decision-making rules. It is argued that enhancement of the prime minister's position was implemented through the creative use of pre-existing policy venues, coupled with minor institutional changes in decision-making bodies. Using three illustrated case studies, it is demonstrated how the prime minister managed to centralize t