The advocacy coalition framework in Japan: Contributions to policy process studies and the challenges involved

Abstract

The advocacy coalition framework (ACF), a unified framework for understanding the policy process, has been applied in various countries and regions; however, there are few contributions from Japan, despite seemingly favorable conditions for applying it. An exploration of what hinders ACF applications in Japan is worthwhile for developing the ACF as a framework for comparative policy process studies across various social and political settings. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review previous Japanese ACF studies. Our review found that Japanese ACF studies are fewer in number, have less coverage of policy fields, and have less methodological diversity and transparency than international trends. While most of the Japanese ACF studies supported the basic hypotheses of the ACF, we found a need to refine some hypotheses and research methods of the ACF studies. We also discuss the background factors in the inactivity of ACF studies in Japan and suggest solutions for it.

Public Policy Research—Born in the USA, at Home in the World?

“… 2022 ; Ohno et al. 2021 ). Applying the ACF to Asia confronts the framework with a diversity of political systems and cultures.…”

Polarization and frames of advocacy coalitions in South Korea's nuclear energy policy

“…The ACF literature is voluminous (Jang et al, 2016; Li & Weible, 2019; Nohrstedt & Olofsson, 2016; Ohno et al, 2021; Pierce et al, 2017; Weible et al, 2009). Yet, it is also not without its gaps and limitations, three of which this paper seeks to contribute.…”

Advocacy Coalition Framework in Environmental Governance Studies: Explaining Major Policy Change for A Large Dam Removal in Japan

“…Although Japan has a relatively long experience with democracy among non-Western countries and pluralistic policy processes to some extent (e.g., Muramatsu & Krauss, 1987), there exist considerably fewer ACF applications in this country. A recent review of Japan's ACF studies (Ohno et al, 2021) pointed out the need for further hypothesis testing and methodological development in Japan to develop the ACF as a framework for comparative policy process studies. Thus, this study applies the ACF's policy change hypotheses and research methods to the policy process that leds to the Arase Dam removal, a critical case of major policy change in Japan's environmental governance.…”