中央政府與地方自治體之間的府際合作（intergovernmental cooperation ）強調對等協力的互助模式，亦即兩者需建立夥伴關係（partnerships）。然而，傳統上強調中央與地方的「行政一體」與中央集權的單一制國家，如何能夠防止中央主導的歷史慣性從而建立起真正意義的夥伴關係？此為本研究的問題意識。 本研究以歷史制度論為途徑，針對日本的地方分權改革進行探討。首先，整理日本從戰後至今的中央與地方關係之沿革。其次，分析日本地方分權改革的著眼點及施力點。最後，探究日本如何藉由地方分權改革解除中央政府對地方自治體之束縛，繼而落實中央與地方的對等協力關係。地方分權改革的初始目標或許是提昇行政效率，然最後鵠的卻是民主深化。職是，唯有真正地建立對等的夥伴關係，才能實現互助協力的中央與地方的府際合作，而由下而上的民主機制方有可能確立。希冀透過此研究，從而審視台灣未來的中央與地方關係之可能改革方向，以促進行政改革與民主深化。

Vertical intergovernmental cooperation requires a reciprocal model of central government and local autonomous entity. In other words, both sides need to work together and establish a partnership. However, unitary states tend to bear “Monolithic” traits and concentration of powers. In light of this traditional tendency how we are able to build up a real partnership and prevent the central government’s dominance is the topic this paper attempts to address. This paper is a case study on the construction and design of the centre-local partnership in Japan’s decentralization reforms. This paper is to apply the approach of historical institutionalism, with an overview of the development of Japan’s central-local relationship after the war; as well as an exploration on the aims and means relating to the decentralization reforms of Japan, so to have an understanding on the essence of constructing a reciprocal relationship between the centre and the locality in Japan. The decentralization reforms might have been adopted originally for the improvement of efficiency and effectiveness of government, yet they ended up with the significance of the “consolidation of democracy”. To sum up, the only way to construct a democratic mechanism with a strong foundation is through the establishment of a real partnership, upon which vertical intergovernmental cooperation rests.