Dislocating state entrepreneurialism beyond China: The development of Umekita, Osaka, Japan

While the recent shift toward more global and inclusive urban studies has led to a wealth of new research, a key challenge remains: locating regionally produced concepts within their specific contexts while also extending their relevance beyond these boundaries. Based on a case study of Umekita in Osaka, this paper critically applies the thesis of state entrepreneurialism to urban governance in Japan, exploring its relevance within broader East Asian contexts. Three defining features of actually existing state entrepreneurialism are identified: the pursuit of extra-market objectives, the politics of scale, and the strategic deployment of market and financial instruments. Although these processes are evident in Japan, the dynamics between different levels of government distinguish it from the Chinese model. With actually existing state entrepreneurialism as a mid-range concept, state entrepreneurialism offers a valuable perspective for understanding urban governance in East Asia.