Since the early 1990s, a burgeoning Chinese economy has overshadowed global interest in the island country of Japan. A recent resurgence of the Japanese economy on the world stage, however, has sparked renewed curiosity for the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. The fourth edition of this well established and successful text provides an analysis of Japan's current political system and the significant contributions of its leaders. It dispels the myth that Japanese politics is largely governed by consensus, revealing instead a fundamental difference of opinions when it comes to issues such as Japanese actions in the Asia-Pacific War or the country's place in today's world. Taking a chronological approach, with emphasis on the post-1945 era, the text explores the expanding reach and role of the prime minister, as well as ways that government ministries are adopting a more streamlined and right-wing agenda. It examines a wide variety of topics - from the overly dominant role of the Liberal Democratic Party to the ever-growing tensions with China and North Korea. This up-to-date edition highlights the regime and aftermath of Prime Minister Koizumi, considers the impact of globalization on Japanese political economy, and concludes with an analytical lesson in Japanese politics.