Philosophical and cultural concept of Amakudari and public service

Abstract

This article examines the practice of the philosophical and cultural concept of amakudari. Amakudari examines cases in which government agencies partner with the private companies they regulate to provide jobs for retired elite bureaucrats. When hired by private companies and organizations, bureaucrats may collude with their former employers to obtain lucrative government contracts, avoid regulatory scrutiny, or obtain benefits. This article proposes to formalize the collusion between the regulator and the regulated organization. Amakudari, or re- employment of government employees, has become a major concern in Japanese bureaucracy and politics. This article examines how amakudari originated in Japan and identifies the vices and virtues associated with it. Finally, he makes several recommendations for reforming the system. This shows that any comprehensive reform plan must lead to legal changes in the civil service, state-owned enterprises, independent administrative institutions and political perspective. Activating and managing the professional integrity of officials, creating control mechanisms in state-owned enterprises, and  strengthening debates and polls in parliament are considered powerful tools. The personnel base intended for the re-employment of returning officials must be  properly organized and able to work effectively. This study also calls for a mentality change involving bureaucrats, politicians and private sector employers to find a permanent solution to the shortcomings of amakudari.