Factors That Shaped the Forestry Extension System in Japan: Adoption and Adaptation of the United States Model After World War II

Abstract Systems for small-scale forestry are occasionally shaped by adopting models used by other countries. Such adoption is localized and adapted to suit needs and conditions of the country and reflects its specific characteristics instead of being simply copied. In this study, we examine the process of the adoption and adaptation of the forestry extension system in Japan and discuss the meaning of policy transfer across countries and the factors influencing policy development. Although the adoption of the forestry extension system was de facto a direct coercion enforced by the occupying United States (US) government in the early post-war era, in-depth analysis revealed it was a joint effort between Japanese and US foresters. The enthusiasm of foresters in charge of forestry extension enabled them to improve it into an idealized form. This first adaptation phase can be regarded as a very progressive step in view of trends indicated by a previous study. The adoption of the US model inspired and legitimized the new system. Results imply that policy development occurs at the level of the ruler, who sets the direction of the forestry extension, and the level of the practitioner, who is in charge of the extension activities in the field. Moreover, it demonstrates the importance of examining the significance and effectiveness of policy transfers and the adaptation of adopted institutions at each level. However, motivation and perception of practitioners toward their work and allowance for voluntary initiatives given to them is the key to this notion.