GOVERNMENT SYSTEM OF JAPAN
Volume 1 / Issue 1
FUNDAMENTAL
STRUCTURE OF THE
JAPAN
GOVERNMENT
Japans government structure
includes the Emperor,
followed by the three
branches of government. The
Diet (legislative branch), the
Cabinet (executive branch),
and the Courts (judicial
branch). While the members
of each of the three branches
are elected, or chosen, in
some way, the Emperor is
chosen by going down the line
of heritage of the Imperial
Family.
Pictured above is the current Emperor of
Japan, Emperor Akihito.
JAPANS EMPEROR
Before Japans surrender in World War II, the Emperor of Japan was seen as
an all-powerful, divine god/king. However, following the surrender, the
Emperor of Japan was forced to renounce his divine status, as well as all
direct political power. Now, according to Japans Constitution, the Emperor is
seen as symbol of Japan and of the unity of the people. The current emperor
of Japan has official duties that include receiving foreign dignitaries,
awarding decorations to Japanese citizens, convening the Diet, and officially
appointing the Prime Minister that is selected by the Diet.
Constitution
Japans Constitution came into play in 1947. This Constitution has is based on
three principles: sovereignty of the people, respect for fundamental human
rights, and renunciation of war. It also has three branches of government,
similar to the U.S, legislative (Diet), executive (Cabinet), and judicial (The
Courts).
The Three Branches of Government
Diet
The National Diet is composed of two houses - the House of Representatives
and the House of Councilors. This is the highest branch of state power and
the sole law-making branch of the State. Both houses are fairly equal,
however, the House of Representatives is the final decision maker in certain
cases.
Cabinet
The Cabinet acts as the executive power in the government. However, instead
of electing a president, there is a Prime Minister that is by the Diet. The Prime
Minister then picks his Ministers of State, who he leads in the Cabinet. The
Cabinet is responsible for the Diet.
The Courts
The Courts is the judicial power that is the Supreme Court. All of the court
members, aside from the Chief of Justice who is appointed by the emperor,
are appointed by the Cabinet.
References:
Szczepanski, K. (n.d.). What Does the Modern Japanese Emperor Do? Retrieved March 29,
2017, from https://www.thoughtco.com/emperor-akihito-195446
Fundamental Structure of the Government of Japan. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2017, from
http://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/fundamental_e.html
Kids Web Japan. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://web-
japan.org/kidsweb/explore/government/