Political System

Japan is a constitutional monarchy (like Britain) in which the Emperor’s power is limited. There is a Prime Minister, chosen for a term of four years, who is the Cabinet’s head and appoints and dismisses Ministers of State. He has to win a majority in the Diet, the Japanese legislature. The Diet has a bicameral structure, consisting of the House of Representative and the House of Councilors. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has the final say in all legal disputes, including those arising from of administrative actions between citizens and the state. The Chief Justice is appointed by the Emperor, following a selection process by the Cabinet. The Japanese political system is very different from those of the western democracies, although many portions may look similar.