Environmental Protest and Citizen Politics in Japan

Environmental Protest and Citizen Politics in Japan examines the development and significance of citizens' movements in Japan, particularly those centered around environmental activism, from the early 1970s. The author initially set out to study political behavior and participation, believing that citizens' movements were similar to other protest groups, but the research led to surprising discoveries. Contrary to initial expectations, these movements proved to be a unique blend of protest and community organization, defying conventional political structures and assumptions. The book focuses on the political, social, and environmental changes that these movements initiated, highlighting their role in fostering political participation and social transformation. By conducting surveys in 1972, the author captures the emergence of these movements at their most vibrant, when they were not yet institutionalized or following established trends. Although the movements were largely successful in their immediate goals, their broader influence on Japan's political landscape—especially regarding electoral change and the nature of political conflict—remains more modest. The book reflects on the evolution of these movements, their impact on political processes, and the role of social movements in shaping democratic values, while also analyzing the gaps between their goals and their practical achievements. It ultimately presents a nuanced understanding of Japanese citizens' movements and their political implications. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1981.