An increasing number of young, fast-track career bureaucrats handling Japan's economic policymaking are leaving public positions, either because they are seeking better work in the private sector or because the recent government realignment is reducing their administrative authority.
The trend is making top government officials worry that other elite bureaucrats may become demoralized, especially in the Finance Ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications Ministry.
Ryutaro Hashimoto, former prime minister and the current minister in charge of administrative reform, is scheduled to meet some former bureaucrats soon to examine what prompted them to give up their posts.