In an attempt to cut public spending, which rose to 140% of GDP in 2002, Prime Minister Koizumi of Japan has targeted public corporations - in particular, special corporations - for dissolution or restructuring. However, he is experiencing stiff opposition from vested interest groups, among them the national ministries. They are in charge of administering the reforms but have come to rely upon their corporations and their numerous affiliates as vehicles that can be used to intensify control over industry and local government policy and equally as good sources for postretirement positions for elite officials.The book explains:Why there is strong political movement to dissolve Special CorporationsHow the corporations can perpetuate the interests of the ministries thus inhibiting structural reformsHow the fundamental characteristics of the Japanese political economic system give the bureaucracy the power to continue operating their corporations, despite political oppositionHow the corporations function to extend ministerial control over local government.