Communities and NPOs

Recent Japan has observed a rising expectation towards community-level civil society organizations as key actors in local governance. Ranging from neighborhood associations (NHAs), voluntary groups, to formally incorporated nonprofits, these organizations are to take active part in provision of public goods and services. What roles are they expected to play and do those expected roles make the most of civil society organizations? This chapter conducts document analysis of two policy initiatives that served as key momentum for these organizations to step into the spotlight of local governance: “New Public Commons” and “Promoting the Society of Mutual Assistance.” Identified are traits of neoliberalism and participatory/associative democracy. The chapter argues that these policies take a rather narrow view on the roles of civil society organizations as service deliverers with enhanced citizen participation. Such understanding overlooks the wide range of roles that these organizations play in the Japanese society, such as offering space of innovative practices, for citizens to have their voices heard, and for citizens to express their beliefs and values. Expanding the understanding of the roles of communities and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) opens broader channels through which these organizations contribute to sustainable local governance.