Japan is a rapidly aging society. In order to respond to these pressing matters the Japanese government cooperates with businesses and the bureaucracy; known as the iron triangle. Japan has a long...Show moreJapan is a rapidly aging society. In order to respond to these pressing matters the Japanese government cooperates with businesses and the bureaucracy; known as the iron triangle. Japan has a long tradition of pork barrel politics and iron triangle cooperation. However, the electoral reforms of 1994 aimed to reduce the power of the iron triangle. Since all actors have high stakes in the success of solutions for aging, it provides the perfect oppertunity to study the continued cooperation of the iron triangle. Through the case studies of innovation in healthcare technology and rural rejuvenation this thesis will show that the iron triangle is still firmly in place.Show less
