How to make voters happy? The promise of happiness by Japan’s political parties between continuities and discontinuities

This project aims to research the promise of happiness by political parties since the beginnings of Japanese parliamentarism between continuity and discontinuity. Considering the significantly different political framework before and after World War II., it may seem like a stretch to speak of continuities in this context. However, despite the radical nature of the changes, many significant continuities in political parties’ organizations, persons and programs are evident. Against this background, this project seeks to find out whether those continuities also exist with regard to the promise of happiness.  In this context it shall also be examined to what extent predominant lines of thought (utilitarianism, post-materialism, etc.) are reflected therein.