Including contributors with diverse backgrounds and outlooks, this volume provides an unconventional and provocative look at how Japan is situated in a globally unfolding transition in methods of democratic government. In Japan's case, the country is making a transition from "karaoke democracy" to "kabuki democracy." Karaoke democracy focuses on collectively redistributing benefits among many intervening institutions, whereas kabuki democracy focuses on striking an emotional chord through direct conversations between leaders and citizens. A must-read for those interested in knowing where Japan is heading.