Please note: The class sessions on 18NOV, 16DEZ und 27JAN take place online!DescriptionThis module examines Japan's socio-economic institutional system and its high degree of institutional complementarity where interdependent institutional aspects complement and reinforce one another, making their combined analysis essential. It provides a systematic overview of Japan's employment and education systems, industrial relations, corporate governance and welfare systems, with a particular focus on the transition of education to employment and the so-called simultaneous recruitment of new graduates system.
The module incorporates social theory frameworks to ask how institutions relate to other phenomena and concepts such as social norms and culture. A concrete example will be to explore how one can best explain the phenomenon of low vacation uptake among employees of Japanese firms.
The module further adopts a comparative perspective, contrasting Japan's institutional arrangements with those of other – mostly, but not only, Western European – countries (e.g. Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.), and exploring both the important differences as well as – surprising to some – the arguably even more important similarities that can be found among "industrialised capitalist democracies."
Module Structure (4-hour block)
Time Component Description
14:00–16:00 Lecture & Discussion Introduction of key concepts, theories, and empirical content. Critical engagement with required readings.
16:00–18:00 Research Exercise Practical application through conceptual interrogations, analysis of primary sources, quantitative/qualitative data, policy documents, or media materials. Develops research skills and grounds theory in practice.
Lecture & Discussion (14:00–16:00)
The lecture component introduces key concepts, theoretical frameworks, and empirical content central to understanding Japan's socio-economic institutions. Each session combines a structured presentation with guided discussion, encouraging students to critically engage with the required readings. The lecture sessions are designed to:
• Provide a systematic overview of Japan's core institutional domains;
• Introduce and critically evaluate theoretical approaches from comparative political economy, institutionalism, and social theory;
• Contextualise empirical material within broader comparative and global frameworks;
• Foster discussion on how institutions, interests, and ideas interact to produce stability, contestation, or change.
Students are expected to have completed the required readings before each session and to come prepared to discuss them critically.
Research Exercise (16:00–18:00)
The research exercise component provides a structured, hands-on opportunity to apply the concepts and theories introduced in the lecture. Each session focuses on a specific practical task designed to develop research skills and deepen understanding through active engagement with primary and secondary materials. Tasks may include:
• Conceptual interrogations – critical application of theoretical frameworks to concrete cases;
• Analysis of primary sources – close reading and interpretation of policy documents, legal texts, or institutional guidelines;
• Quantitative data analysis – working with statistical sources (e.g., e-Stat, OECD, JILPT) to identify and interpret trends;
• Qualitative data analysis – examining media discourse, interview excerpts, or ethnographic materials;
• Comparative exercises – systematic comparison of Japanese institutions with those of other countries.
The research exercise is designed to build progressively toward the final research paper, developing students' ability to formulate research questions, identify appropriate sources and methods, and construct evidence-based arguments.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Japan's key socio-economic institutions and their interrelationships;
• Identify the major organised actors shaping Japanese society and analyse their strategies and interests;
• Explain and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to institutions, interests, and ideas;
• Apply these frameworks to analyse specific cases of continuity, contestation, and change in contemporary Japan;
• Formulate a research question and design a coherent research proposal or paper using appropriate methods and sources;
• Develop a sophisticated, research-informed argument about the dynamics of social stability and transformation.
