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Did Democratization Help Extend Lifespan in Japan?

Jaelene Dominguez

Julian Paredes

Steffanie Romero

POL 341-01

Professor Zeng

05/17/2022
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Japan is a country that carries excellent history. Japan's population growth begins during

different eras of history through agricultural expansion, industrial development, and the

promotion of westernization. Japan has transformed its regime types to figure out which form of

government provides economic growth and overall health to the population. Japan's current form

of government is a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy, or in simpler

terms, a democracy with an emperor who holds no real power.

The transition into a democracy was not quick; for most of Japan's history, it remained

under the rule of emperors or corrupt military power, referred to as the shogun. Some of the

earliest periods of Japan are the Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun, and Asuka periods which took place as

early as 300 BC until 710, mainly composed of hunters, gatherers, and fishers. This time in

history was rough for the people of Japan, and typically only the rich lived comfortably. There

was a transition into an agricultural period in this era. Social classes soon became a sign of

wealth; the more land and food one had the more critical they evolved in the region. That is how

powerful landowners began to take roles in politics. Only the elite and landowners were allowed

to play a role in governing. From this period onward, countless fights were happening between

the emperor's power and the shogun. The constant shift of government ultimately shifted the

nation's politics, creating instability in the way of life and security.

The population began to be recorded by scholars who had no fundamental knowledge of

the matter. Because technology was highly restricted, the numbers may not reflect an accurate

result. In the year 589, it was estimated that 3,931,152 people resided in Japan. After almost 400

years, we see the population go from 20,000,000 in 901 to 11,280,167 in 923; this can be an

effect of a smallpox epidemic, killing half of the Japanese people. (Farris, 2009, pg.3) Following

a life of constant wars, intimidation by European forces, and corruptness, the shogunates during
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the Edo period placed rigorous isolations between Japan and the rest of the world, except China,

Korea, the Netherlands, the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the Ainu. The isolation began after the ruler,

Tokugawa Ieyasu, felt threatened by the traders and missionaries from the western countries

attempting to project their beliefs onto the ordinary people. During this time, Japan focused on

itself and its people. By cutting off contact, the people of japan were able to refrain from coming

into contact with diseases which equated to excessive population growth of about 13 million

people, possibly the most significant population in 1721. Businesses supported one another, and

there was a growth in infrastructure; education became far more valued, emphasizing literature

and making it the most literate country. The health effects of this were that the Japanese had not

developed their immunity. This left Japanese citizens highly vulnerable to foreigners and created

higher mortality rates among older people and children. (Farris, 2009, 38-45) This period was cut

short due to the United States sending over Commodore Matthew Perry to force the Japanese

government to open a limited number of ports for trade.

The Meiji Period came after, which included a complete restoration of Japan's political

and economic side. The goal was to modernize while bringing back any lost traditions during the

westernization that had taken place in previous decades. Following this period came the Showa

period, one of the most challenging times in Japanese history. This is where democracy begins to

present itself, breaking down the social classes the previous era had brought, aiming to make

Japan more equal.

During WWII, Japan had become allies with Italy and Germany after sharing a common

interest in expanding territories in their region. Japan had become extraordinarily greedy. At this

time, Japan was an absolute monarch, ruling solely on the emperor's consent. There was apparent

tension with neighboring countries that resulted in possible threats of bombings in 1943 that
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caused the government to launch evacuation plans, attempting to relocate the population to the

countryside. With the Second World War climate, men were recruited to fight for the country

while women, children, and the elderly stayed home. The people were used for agricultural

work; however, as the war went on, hardships became more prominent, affecting the working

people and creating resentment. The battle began with a shortage of everything, and essential

materials became rationed by the government. This included; sugar, charcoal, wool, cotton,

matches, etc. (Ba, 2022). Before the war, those who were poor had always struggled, but the

struggle during wartime was critical. For example, the average male who worked hard labor ate

up to 2,000 calories. In comparison, women who did the same job ate around 1470 calories.

One of the towns which were affected severely during the war was Nauru. Nauru is a

small island in Japan that was of interest to many European countries. It was rich in natural

resources, and many nations attempted to claim it amid the war. America sought out the land

because of its position towards the mainland, a great location of strategic value in terms of

attacks and the base location. Nauru was subject to great tragedies such as the bombing of the

citizens, causing the relocation of its people. The houses of the native people were taken over by

the Japanese military or destroyed to make room for the barracks of the Japanese soldiers. Those

who were subject to inhumane acts were those who suffered from Leper on the island. The

patients were crowded onto boats, taken out to sea, and fired on from the shore. The native

people worked from early hours till late at night; if they fell back, they were beaten or denied

food. Creating a substantial malnutrition society that suffered physically and mentally from

starvation and bomb raidings. (Pollock,1991, 96-98)

Once Japan had declared war on the United States through the bombing of Pearl Harbor,

the average Japanese citizen had suffered greatly at the hands of domestic forces and foreign
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ones. The United States retaliated with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The lack of

voice and representation the working class had on the government entailed terrible effects from

the bombing, as it affected civilians. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was the most

brutal nuclear attack on citizens, destroying cities and killing up to 105,000 people, injuring

94,000, and plenty more were left with lifelong effects of the radiation. Many of the people in

Japan were left in critical condition with a government that, up until that point, was willing to

take the war to great lengths regardless of the consequences. In the following years, the United

States took control. It prevented them from invading further, building Japan a form of

government similar to a true democracy.

Japan was able to recover extremely fast from the bombings and disasters of World War

II that left the country. It was seen as a Post-War Miracle, beginning Japanese existence by

producing high forms of technology, making these things at a higher rate and better than its

competitors. The people's health was also able to recover from the social inequalities during

World War II, almost completely equalizing from 1960 to 1980. Economic democratization

policies had a massive effect on health disparities, active labor union groups, and post-war

economic growth. These policies began advancing public health services, making health

insurance accessible to citizens. There was an improvement in medical care, specifically in

strokes and cardiovascular diseases. Japan has grown significantly with its people now. The

transition into democracy has caused Japanese citizens' health and longevity to improve.

Since Japan’s transition into a democracy, its government has become a stronger and

more developed country. According to Asialink Business, the growth of Japan’s economy has

changed drastically since World War II. In fact, “Japan's economy was the world’s second

largest (behind the US) from 1968 until 2010 when it was overtaken by China. Its gross domestic
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product (GDP) in 2016 was estimated to be USD 4.7 trillion, and its population of 126.9 million

enjoys a high standard of living, with per capita GDP of just below USD 40,000 in 2015”

(Asialink Business). Overall, Japan's productivity and quality of life have increased due to its

change after becoming a democracy. However, productivity has been decreasing in manual labor

industries, as the Japanese population has been rapidly becoming older. Though, this does not

mean that living in Japan is a bad thing. In fact, it means that more young generations are taking

the time to focus on having a career and continue their education.

According to data, Japan's average Life expectancy is age 84, with an average of 15 years

spent pursuing education, and is ranked 19th in the human development index compared to other

countries. Japan is ever-changing because of the population growth in age. Meaning that Japan

which once was the largest producer in the Iron and steel industries will continue to shift in its

industrial specialties. This is an important tool as the world changes, with new events, such as

the current global pandemic and global warming.

Japan is still a strong economically developed country that places a strong emphasis on

education, safety, and investment for the future. The countries' “major export industries include

automobiles, consumer electronics, computers, semiconductors, and iron and steel” (Dolan and

Worden). Other industries Japan focuses on are “mining, nonferrous metals, petrochemicals,

pharmaceuticals, bioindustry, shipbuilding, aerospace, textiles, and processed foods” (Dolan and

Worden). Japan has also developed many new relationships with outside countries. For example,

China is the biggest trade partner for Japan. Overall, Japan's growth comes from being able to

adapt to new and current production. In fact, it has achieved this level of economic growth by

placing investments into productive plants, and equipment. Open trade is another benefit for its

economy, though in its internal government Japan places importance on higher education and
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effectively adapting its industries by placing efficient techniques. In addition to maintaining a

good standing relationship with its employees, investing in future research, and the development

of future technology.

Interestingly enough Japan was one of the leading countries in the world, in the field of

Biotechnology. The Biotechnology industry is an important field because it focuses on using

science and technology in understanding how a substance affects health. Researchers within this

field have created drugs that are used to treat illnesses such as bacterial infections, therapeutic

drugs, and so on. Today, the United States is a leader in the field of biotechnology, which is

important because of the current Covid-19 pandemic. The biotechnology industries have moved

significantly faster in creating vaccines and anti-viral medication. Moreover, Japan has been

handling the Covid-19 virus, very well. Records show that from February 21, 2020, there has not

been a significant rise in the number of cases, until February 9, 2022. With a significant increase

of 44% of new cases each day.

The Covid-19 pandemic has tested many economic sectors, such as job security, trade,

and overall well-being. For two years, Japan has been more effective in handling the pandemic

than any other country. Until recently, the government has been criticized for the massive spike

in cases. With its leaders stepping down as the country struggle to contain this new wave, which

has killed twenty-six thousand, according to the council on foreign relations. “Japan’s economy

shrunk by 4.5 percent in 2020 as a result of the pandemic but rebounded to grow by 1.7 percent

in 2021, the first positive growth in three years, according to the Financial Times. But the spread

of the omicron variant, along with rising oil prices and pervasive supply chain difficulties, is

expected to set back Japan’s growth prospects yet again” (Smith). Even so, Japan has quickly
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administered the Covid-19 vaccine with “79 percent of Japanese people have received two doses

of a COVID-19 vaccine; 20 percent have received a third (booster) dose” (Smith).

Japan still remains in conflict with China and does not have a well-established

relationship with South Korea due to shared history. This can pose many threats in the future as

tensions are rising between China and Japan over territory. This is important to discuss because

due to this, spending must go to the military in the event of an attack. This can be possible as

Russia is still continuing its war against Ukraine. Meaning that Government money has to be

allocated properly, and this could be a negative.

In this current time, Japan has benefited from becoming a democratic government.

Mainly as citizens have more freedoms, which create their own business, technology, and so on.

I believe that if Japan had remanded an autocratic government, there would be more funding

allocated to the military, and less on the development of the nation. This means that Japan could

have conflicts with the United States, especially as it’s shift into a democracy created an opening

for the two countries to form aliases.

The future of the Japan’s quality of life and health is one that will have a prosperous

future. With the democratic form of government bringing about an improvement in quality of life

and longer life spans, there will need to be a shift to another form of government. If the Japanese

want to keep improving their progress, they will most likely need to adopt more socialist

methods that would go further than the style of government Japan has currently. Japan is facing a

crisis in which their population is becoming older, with less fertility rates and at risk for several

health problems. Some health problems that would be a concern for are heart-related issues, such

as heart failure. One good thing about Japan is that they are already ahead on some healthcare

qualities. Universal healthcare is the future that many are looking for, and Japan has been
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heading towards that direction. However, rising healthcare costs are a concern for the future,

with Japan’s increasing GDP and growth as a nation.

Japan could possibly enhance its’ style of government to a more socialist form if it would

like to keep up with its’ good health with low costs. Michael Reich and Kenji Shibuya said that

“...if the country takes no action, health expenditures could increase

from the current 8% of GDP to around 11% by 2025” (Reich & Shibuya,

2015, pg. 3). With an enhanced focus on healthcare, it would be

beneficial for the population in Japan to change their form of

government, even if it is minimal. The reason why this would be

necessary is due to the aging population that will need socialized

medicine. This could possibly be in the form of social security,

enhanced healthcare to apply to the needs of the elderly or more.

Kentaro Ejiri and other doctors have said that “Particularly in Japan,

a greater increase in HF patients is expected to occur by 2025, by

which time the baby boom generation will be ≥ 75 years old” (Ejiri,

Noriyasu, Nakamura, 2019, pg. 1). With this in mind, there was a

suggestion for a prevention to be put in place by increasing ways to

improve the healthcare system to better facilitate the popular

diseases that occur within the older population of Japan. One of the

suggestions was to increase the use of community medicine and plans

to ensure the help for the people as a community. Dr. Kentaro

suggested “... to share patient information of HF patients undergoing

treatment among medical institutions, medical collaboration with a

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specific notebook, and plan for community medicine are measures

used in clinical practice” (Ejiri, Pg. 2). This motive is something that

helps endorse a system that is communal based and not exclusive to

people in a specific health plan, but for all. This would include

having socialized medicine and to publicize healthcare.

Not only would it be feasible for the government to do this for its people, but the people

themselves are asking for a change in the healthcare system. Since the healthcare system is

centralized in the federal government in Japan, people are finding themselves to want more of a

say in their healthcare. Specifically, people would like for it to be publicized. In “Japan:

Universal Health Care at 50 Years”, Kenji Shibuya shared that “... the major sources of the

dissatisfaction with the Japanese health system are not issues about quality, access, or costs, but

the lack of fairness and public participation in decision making” (Shibuya & Hashimoto, 2011,

Pg. 6). The quote explains that people are currently dissatisfied with the Japanese healthcare

system and with it, they would like more of a say in the policies and options they would like. The
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healthcare changes that are requested stray away from a democratic style of government. These

changes that people express are some that would be necessary for Japan to take action and

advance the life expectancy even more than it is currently.

It was common within the scholars, research and even the people of Japan, that a change

is something that is necessary for the life expectancy and issues that are to come. Shibuya had

commented on the necessity of reform and said that “This time is not just for reform but also for

rebirth. The issues have become too critical to rely on incremental adjustments that have

characterized Japanese policy making” (Shibuya, 2011, Pg. 7). It is something that the people of

Japan have felt is necessary to ensure that they can have the needs that have to be met.

Specifically, with the population growing older it is evident that there should be a change in

healthcare and policies from the government to ensure health and security. Not only would it

benefit Japan but it would benefit the rest of the world. Shibuya had added that “... Japan should

act as a platform for research and development of health systems and innovations, drawing

lessons from all over the world about universal coverage, equity and healthy aging in the context

of human security…” (Shibuya, 2011, Pg. 8). They stress that Japan can be an example for other

countries about the methods they could implement onto the world. This applies to Japan as it is
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not the only country that is facing the issue of an aging population. Countries in East Asia are

projected to experience a similar trend of aging population.

In conclusion, it is apparent throughout the history and the development of Japan to the

current age, that democracy in Japan did extend the lifespan and expectancy of the average

Japanese citizen. Throughout the history of Japan, life expectancy was something that did not

last, but as soon as the transition from autocracy to a democracy occurred, there was a shift that

was greater than in the history of Japan. With this, it was able to be an resourceful nation and one

that was innovative. During the present age, Japan had continued their work towards life

expectancy. With the Covid-19 pandemic being a threat towards how the quality of life in Japan

would be, Japan had done a great job in reacting and containing the Coivid-19 pandemic. Being

one of the top countries with the highest life expectancies is something that Japan is proud of,

and with the issue of an aging population, it was interesting to see what Japan would do to

combat the issue. The time Japan has with democracy is on limited time, as there is the desire for

different policies. If Japan would like to continue their trend on maintaining great life expectancy

numbers, they would need to consider taking on some socialist policies, specifically with

increasing their spending on healthcare and socializing the healthcare system. With these

improvements, the Japanese government would have the opportunity to combat the issues that

will face them in the coming years.

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