An Introduction to the Economic Policy Institute for Quality Life

The Economic Policy Institute for Quality Life(EPI) began its history as the Institute of Economic Planning for Peace. It took over from its predecessor in February 24, 1997 and commenced its activities as an organization for conducting research in response to the needs of the new age.

The Institute of Economic Planning for Peace was set up in 1961 to promote the democratic planning of politics, society, and economics and the creation of a peaceful international environment in Japan. In 1983, it was officially made into an aggregate corporation in order to strengthen the base of its activities.

For the past 36 years, this Institute has conducted research and made proposals concerning various problems related to politics, society and economics through the publication of the "National White Paper on Economy" and the monthly report "Journal of Institute of Economic Planning for Peace," etc. In this way, it has contributed to democracy, economic growth, and citizens' lives in Japan.

To build further on these achievements of the Institute of Economic Planning for Peace, and in response to the changes in the social and economic structure resulting from the end of the Cold War era, its name was changed to the Economic Policy Institute for Quality Life and it made a new start in February 1997.

EPI is based on progressive and social justice principles. It promotes research activities with the cooperation of academics, researchers, citizens, trade unionists and lawmakers. With the aim of improving the quality of life, EPI places priority on the viewpoint of ordinary citizens and workers through research focusing on achieving a balance between economic effectiveness and social justice. Further, EPI aims to develop democracy and civil society of Japan in the context of global democracy.

Major projects will include research on various themes, symposiums, research meetings and seminars, publication of the monthly journal "Seikatsu-keizai seisaku" or "EPI Journal" and other materials, and research in cooperation with or commissioned by the government, local governing bodies, corporations and other organizations.

Recent Publications(all in Japanese)

EPI(ed.)(2011) The Perspective of Post 3.11―Politics and Society in Japan. EPI, Tokyo
Jinno, N. and Takahashi, N.(eds.)(2010) Disgrowth and Revitalization of Local Community. NTT Publishing, Tokyo
Komamura, K(ed.)(2010) Guaranteed Minimum Income. Iwanami Shoten, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2010) How to reform the tax system of Japan. EPI, Tokyo
Shinkawa, T. and Shinoda, T.(eds.)(2009) New Possibility of labor and welfare state―International Comparison of the Revitalization of Labor Movements. Minervashobo, Kyoto
EPI(ed.)(2009) Proposal for Hatoyama Cabinet. EPI, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2009) Why Labor Movement, now. EPI, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2009) The New Order of Global Post Neoliberalism-Political Economy in 2009. EPI, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2009) The World financial crisis and Contemporary capitalism. EPI, Tokyo
EPI(trans.)(2008) Social Democracy for 21st Century Ⅸ(The basic program of the Social Democratic Party of Germany―the Hamburg Program) . EPI, Tokyo
Endo, S. and Ogawa, A.(eds.)(2007) The Global Dialogue― Society beyond the Power Order. Akashishoten, Tokyo
Nishikawa, J. and EPI(eds.)(2007) Solidarity Economy―Alternatives to Globalization. Akashishoten, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2007) the Tax Reform―toward the tax system with fair and high fiscal capacity. EPI, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2006) Social Democracy for 21st Century Ⅷ(Social Democracy in Japan). EPI, Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2006) Constitutional Law Association of EPI Report. EPI, Tokyo
Jiro Yamaguchi, Taro Miyamoto
& Ariyoshi Ogawa(eds.)(2006)
Challenge for Civil-societal Democracy:European Politics in post-Third Way Nihon Keizai Hyoron-sha, Tokyo
Taro Miyamoto,Jiro Yamaguchi
& Minoru Tsubogo(eds.)(2005)
Post-welfare state and Social Governance Minerva Shobo, Kyoto
Toshiaki Tachibanaki(ed.) (2005) Risky Society Iwanami Shoten, Tokyo
EPI(eds.)(2005) Globalisation and Multilateralism EPI, Tokyo
Yuji Masuda & EPI(eds.)(2004) Perspective for 21st Century of the North-eastern Asia Nihon Keizai Hyoron-sha, Tokyo
Tsutomu. Ouchi(2004) Buried Embers:Prof. Ouchi's Memoirs Ochanomizu Shobo, Tokyo
J.Waddington & R. Hoffmann(eds.)
M.Ogawa(tran.)(2004)
Trade Unions in Europe:facing challenges and searching for solutions EPI, Tokyo
EPI(eds.)(2004) Social Democracy for 21st Century VII(revised European Social Democracy) EPI, Tokyo
EPI(trans.)(2003) Where are French lefts going? EPI Tokyo
Takagi,E.andEPI(eds.)(2003) Good Society-Agendas for 21st Century Ochanomizu-shobo,Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2003) European Centre-lefts in a Predicament EPI Tokyo
EPI and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung(eds.)(2003) Globalization and Innovation of Politics Minerva-shobo, Kyoto
Miyamoto,T.(trans.)(2002) Basic Programme of Swedish Social Democratic Party EPI,Tokyo
Komamura, K.(2002) Contemporary Role of Government in Distribution of Wealth EPI,Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2002) Lowering Birth Rate and Social Security System EPI,Tokyo
EPI(ed.)(2002) Trade Unions and Centre-left Governments in Europe EPI,Tokyo
Ehara, Y.(2002) Family and Gender Policies for 21st Century EPI,Tokyo
EPI(trans.)(2001) Multiple Third Ways EPI,Tokyo
Masuda, Y. (2001) IT Agenda for 21st Century EPI,Tokyo
EPI(trans.)(2000) The Third Ways in Europe EPI,Tokyo
EPI(2000) For Reviving the Labour Movements in Japan EPI,Tokyo
Wada, Y.(ed.)(2000) Proposal to Overcome the State Fiscal Crisis EPI,Tokyo
Yamaguchi, Y. and Jinno, N.(eds.)(2000) 2025-concept for Japan Future Iwanami-shoten, Tokyo
EPI Study Team(1999) New Politics in Europe and the Third Way EPI, Tokyo
Isayama,T.(ed.)(1999) Public Corporations under Competition EPI,Tokyo
Maruo,N.(ed.)(1998) Proposal Pension System Reform EPI, Tokyo
Yamaguchi,J.and EPI(eds.)(1997) Review of the Coalition Government 1993-1996 Asahishimbun ,Tokyo