International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2016): 79.57 | Impact Factor (2017): 7.296 Volume 7 Issue 7, July 2018 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY ShinzōAbe Policy: Nōkyō Reorganization and TPP Dien Wijayatiningrum 1 , I Ketut Surajaya 2 1 Graduate Student Japanese Studies Program School of Strategic and Global Studies Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia 2 Professor of History Japanese Studies Program Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia Abstract: Under the administration of ShinzōAbe, the policy of Nōkyō (Nōgyō, Kyōdō, Kumiai) reorganization and the role of Japan in the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership)are bold policy from Abe who wanted to reap opinions at national and international levels. Reformation will likely give mutual benefit in agricultural sector and non-agricultural business. Zennoh who is a reorganized as Nōkyō organ becomes large corporation that goes hand in hand with giant existing corporations. TPP provides opportunity for Japan in promotion and marketing of Japanese agricultural products in the international level, especially in Asia Pacific. Research using qualitative methodology with current reference is expected to complement previous research and useful for political and business decision-makers as well as sharpens academic insights about Japan under Abe's government in the era of global competition. Keywords: Nōkyō, TPP, Zennoh, Abe, LDP 1. Introduction After World War II ended, USA began to occupy Japan and made significant changes in various fields. Additional change is also in the constitution, where USA re-organized pre-war organizations, including agricultural organization that controlled rice and farmland. The policy was known as agrarian reform, where government replacedexisting agricultural organizations into Nōgyō Kyōdō Kumiai (Nōkyō) 1 . Under the supervision of SCAP, the task of Nōkyō was controlling the distribution of food to rural areas to overcome hunger, food shortage and the widespread food black market after the war 2 . Changes made by SCAP became the beginning of farmer political power in Japan. Democracy and the American-run electoral system was key factor that transformedNōkyō into a large organization and a pressure group on agricultural policy making.The factor that led to the development of the Nōkyō into a large and powerful organization is the close relationship between the Nōkyō and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) established in 1955 3 . The relationship between the LDP, business corporations and Japanese bureaucrat referred as iron triangular relationship. Nōkyō was in the influence of this iron triangle 4 . Thanks to a strong relationship between Nōkyō and LDP, for more than sixty years, Nōkyō succeeded in mastering the agricultural sector in Japan. Nōkyō controls types of plants to be planted in one area and determines the equipment to be used 5 . Thanks to Nōkyō's support, the LDP was able to win elections and lead Japan for decades. As a 1 Adam D. Sheingate , The rise of Agricultural Walfare state : Institution and Interest Group Power in The United State, France and Japan. United Kingdom : Princeton University Press. 2001 2 Understanding the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives, http://www.nippon.com/en/currents/d00082/ 3 Parallel Politics : Economics Policy Making in Japan and the United State. Karnel. Samuel 1991. 4 I Ketut Surajaya, “Segitiga Besi dan Pembaharuan Politik Jepang” in Jurnal Lembaga penelitian dan Pendidikan kepada Masyarakat, September 1994. Year III Number 1, Jakarta ;University of Darma Persada. Jakarta 5 Japan Agricultural Reforms Opened the Door to Widespread Change, Marti Foster form of reward for Nōkyō's support, LDP enacted policies favoring farmers and made Nōkyō financially strong and cooperative. In 2012, the LDP again won election and Shinzō Abe returned as Prime Minister. However, under Abe's leadership, the government reorganized Nōkyō. The TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) and Nōkyō reorganization are two very bold and risky Abe policies against LDP and Nōkyō relationships. These two policies are against the wish of Nōkyō. TPP and the reorganization have potential to reduce relationship of LDP and Nōkyō that have been well established for decades and could have an impact on the reduced vote for LDP in rural constituencies in the next general election. Abe's decision to reorganize the Nōkyō was a huge decision in the history of the agricultural cooperative system that has existed for sixty years 6 . Although the agricultural policies under Abe's leadership seemed to weaken Nōkyō, but in reality, the government continued to support Nōkyō by enacting several counter policies. This research will focus on Abe's policy on Nōkyō and TPP. 2. Literature Review This study referred to some relevant sources. Yoshihisa Godo (2000) "Reforming Japan's Agricultural Policies" explained about the reasons why Japan insisted on protecting domestic agricultural products until now. Godo discussed problems in Japan related to Uruguay Round where Japan received a lot of pressure from abroad to open more import quota for agricultural products, especially rice. Yet Japan continued to insist on protecting domestic rice market. In the end, Japan opened rice market by imposing minimum restricted access in form of tariff or non-tariff barrier. Other than that, Japan rice market remained close for six yearsbetween 1995 and 2000 by compensating for minimum access to import quotas. Japan enforced rice self-sufficiency and closed market policy from overseas rice product for more than three 6 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2015/02/11/editorials /ja-zenchu-reform-just-first-step/#.WcjLF8gjHIU Paper ID: ART20183776 DOI: 10.21275/ART20183776 140