Basic income in Japan : prospects for a radical idea in a transforming welfare state

Basic Income in Japan is the first collective volume in English entirely devoted to the discussion of Japan's potential for a basic income program in the context of the country's changing welfare state. Vanderborght and Yamamori bring together over a dozen contributors to provide a general overview of the scholarly debate on universal and unconditional basic income, including a foreword by Ronald Dore. Drawing on empirical data on poverty and inequality as well as normative arguments, this balanced approach to a radical idea is essential reading for the study of contemporary Japan. "Basic Income in Japan adopts a focused perspective on a broad range of contemporary issues. To those interested in basic income, it offers the possibility of renewing the terms of the debate by exploring the case of a country that has been partly left aside in previous discussions. To those who wish to understand contemporary Japan, this is a must-read, as it deals with increasing inequalities and poverty, as well as rising contradictions between labor market dynamics and the welfare system. As a whole, this is an exemplary collective work made highly coherent thanks to the leadership of two excellent editors." - Sebastien Lechevalier, Associate Professor of Japanese Economy and Society, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France "In today's Japan, a nation-wide debate on welfare reform has been triggered by proposals for a basic income, and a large number of stimulating discussions have taken place between prominent researchers and influential political actors. This collection of insightful and informative essays gives a clear overview of the debate. It is not, however, just for those with an interest in contemporary Japan and basic income. It is also of great value for anyone concerned about the future of the welfare state." - Taro Miyamoto, Professor, Hokkaido University, Japan