Conformity in Politics and Public Administration

In the Japanese mind, seken (the world) is the platform of conformity, and the basis of interconnectedness through human relationships. The depth and complexity of these relationships create boundaries, and the sense of belonging to a group brings cohesion. Seken radiates the values that guide member’s actions and behavior. The group of people whom one has some relations with compose one’s seken, while persons with whom one has no relation are outsiders, even if one sees and knows. Seken essentially consists of deep human relationships and connections. People are living with the small world, and leading their lives according to the implicit rules and order. On the other hand, society is just a formality and recognized only in written sentences to Japanese people. Society does not occupy in people’s minds and spirit. Low young voter’ turn-outs over many elections are pointed out. This phenomenon is analyzed from the viewpoint of narrow seken of the youth, using cost–benefit analysis. Bureaucrats’ descending from heaven has been a battle ground between the bureaucrats and regulators. Hereditary members of National Diet, for that matter, the politicians who inherit constituency, election funds, and the fame of their father, are in superior positions for re-election, being elected at early and young age, and contributing establishing family business. The concept of human rights is accepted only on the surface and on paper, given lower priority than the rules and orders of the institution.