半泽直树2

The drama, albeit not real, reflects a deep-rooted political-economic problem in Japan. The long-time postwar peace, prosperity, and stability led the developmental state to economic stagnation and political rigidity, which in turn obstructed innovation and creativity. According to Mancur Olson, the collective action problems in Japan made the political elites captured by those particularistic interest groups. The political-economic establishment, therefore, maximized parochial interests at the sacrifice of collective interests. The top one percent firmly dominated the country so that even reformist politicians failed to change the incrementally unequal, hierarchical social culture. As shown in the drama, the higher-level bureaucrats, politicians, bankers, and businessmen all are corrupt and selfish, never taking social responsibility into account. If the government is not responsive to public concern, then national development and social progress will be difficult.