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...

Public sector is being currently under intensified pressure to increase efficiency and improve quality of its activity. The pressure of government, local society, stake holders and media stimulates public sector development and motivates to experiment with new management methods. In the article...