This book examines changing state-civil society relations in Japan with a focus on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Tokyo's foreign policy. Globalization and industrial maturation have weakened state authority and sparked the growth of NGOs in Japan. NGOs are gaining influence in a number of areas, most prominently in aid and development. This influence is expressed both through grassroots pressure campaigns and by growing collaboration between NGOs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By analyzing this important new phenomenon, the book sheds light on the changing nature of state-civil society relations and the role of NGOs in promoting democracy.

Civil Society and Japan's Foreign Aid examines the changing relations between the Japanese state and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting effective aid policies and analyzes the changing nature of policy making and governance in Japan. It is based on extensive research in Southeast Asia and Japan, investigating the role of Japanese aid in fields such as education, health care, environmental protection, and economic development. It analyzes the key players in aid policymaking, including donor governments, multinational organizations, international and local NGOs, the business community, and aid recipients.