How to engage the society in policymaking? The case of national foresight initiatives in Japan

The article attempts a general description (outline) of long-standing practice of foresight in Japan. Describing the main changes which have taken place there since the 1970s, it tries to show how Japan, through consistent application of foresight exercises, heading for participatory planning and a real involvement of society in this process, generates visions of the state and its S&T development. The text, on the basis of 8th and 9th round of national foresight in Japan, describes adopted there – socially engaged – practices. Practices that are characterized by a large content of mastery that could become fruitful experience for many, also for Poland.