Hybrid or Unique?: the Japanese Welfare State Between Europe and America

Abstract

In the contemporary welfare state literature, both Japan and Southern Europe are often held to be distinct regimes. A comparative examination of the evidence for Japan suggests that this is not true. Japan's fusion of key el ements of catholic-conservative welfare states (occupational segmentation and familialism) with a liberal, American-style dominance of private welfare plans gives the appearance of a hybrid system. On balance, there is little to in dicate a distinct 'Pacific' model. Regardless, any attempt at labeling the Japanese welfare state is premature since it has not yet sunk its roots, institutionally speaking.