Die Schuldrechtsreform in Japan – betrachtet aus dem Blickwinkel der Kodifikationsidee –

Abstract

This  contribution  discusses  the  ongoing  reform  of  the  law  of  obligations  in  Japan.  Initiated by the Minister of Justice, the reform started in October 2010 with the establishment of the so-called Commission for Civil Law  (Law of Obligations). First results  are already presented. The author begins with comparing the structure of the Japanese  Civil Code, the Minpô, to the German Civil Code, the BGB. Thereafter a brief overview  of the reform proceedings is given before the author analyses the discussion about the  reform. His analysis concentrates on the fundamental criticism that there is no need for  reforming the Civil Code now. But, as is shown, both, the promoters of the reform as  well  as  its  critics,  agree  on  two  fundamental  policy considerations:  “If  it ain’t  broke,  don’t fix it“ and, second, that a reform should by made “of the people, by the people, for  the  people”.  The  main  distinction  between  the  two  opposing  views  is  thus  a  different  view on the question whether the Minpô has become dysfunctional and whether a reform  of the Code would benefit the ordinary citizens. The author discusses this question with reference to the general idea and concept of codified law.  

(The Editors)