일본 지방분권개혁의 주요 내용과 최근 동향

In spite of thirteen changes in cabinet since 1995, when the reform of decentralization was started, Japan is still promoting the reform. The process of reform until now are considered through three phases in this article. Features of the reform of decentralization in Japan can be summarized as follows. First, in terms of the ideology which the decentralization has advocated, the Japan government has consistently held fast to 'the principle of subsidiarity' and tried to maintain it. Second, the turnabout has been made from the comprehensive reform of decentralization to the detailed one―from the overall decentralized allocation of state business to the detailed reform of decentralization. Third, the Japan government has aimed for the administrative efficiency caused by the transfer of business. This is indicated in several situations as it constantly promotes the utilization of a large area of alliance and discusses the introduction of state system. Fourth, the realization of decentralization on the basis of the autonomy of the local government has been the fundamental principle of the Japan government's policies. Fifth, measures for expanding sources of revenues towards securing local taxes have continuously been examined. Sixth, the decentralization in Japan has been pushed ahead with by active claims of the worlds of commerce and industry. Next, the reform of decentralization in Japan has suggested the following meanings to us. First, the reform of decentralization has continuously been promoted regardless of the transfer in regime. It suggests a crucial message that in Abe's current government, the prime minister, as a chief executive, also leads the conference system which promotes the reform of decentralization points out the significance of the government's will more than anything else. Second, recommendation of the expert committee has been made periodically, and in accordance with them, legislation of National Diet has gone smoothly with no problems, so that decentralization could proceed in the form of package law. It is indicated that respect and cooperation between administration and legislature should be prioritized for the reform of decentralization. Third, expanding revenue sources of local taxes is not a simple matter at all but calls for the continuous research and examination. Fourth, the Japan government has constantly transformed and developed the concept of decentralization including 'the advocacy of 'regional sovereignty.' In that the government has constantly attracted the national attention by developing new terms though the practical details of regional sovereignty is not different from that of the local government, I think that regional sovereignty should be especially worth noting as the methodology for the reform of decentralization. Fifth, the government has legalized accomplishments of the reform. Japan has taken on an aspect that once there is the achievement of reform to some degree, the government has organized this in the form of package law or special law and moved on to the next step. As for the case in Korea, if the progress in this way cannot be guaranteed, it can be considered that processing methods for the outcome of discussion over special laws of decentralization should be considered in advance. In conclusion, we should wisely learn a lesson from the reform process of decentralization in Japan by equanimously and thoroughly analyzing and examining the case of Japan.