National Diet

National Diet
Name	National Diet
Native name	国会
Transcription name	Kokkai
Legislature	Parliament of Japan
Coa pic	National Diet Building, Tokyo.jpg
House type	Bicameral
Houses	House of Councillors, House of Representatives
Foundation	3 May 1947
Preceded by	Imperial Diet
Leader1 type	Speaker of the House of Representatives
Leader1	Fukushiro Nukaga
Election1	20 October 2023
Leader2 type	President of the House of Councillors
Leader2	Hidehisa Otsuji
Election2	3 August 2022
Members	710
House1	House of Councillors
House2	House of Representatives
Meeting place	National Diet Building, Nagatachō, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Session room	National Diet Building, Tokyo.jpg
Website	https://www.shugiin.go.jp/, https://www.sangiin.go.jp/

National Diet. It is the supreme organ of state power and the sole law-making body of Japan, established under the Constitution of Japan which came into effect on 3 May 1947. The Diet is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, and meets in the National Diet Building in Tokyo. Its powers, derived from the principle of popular sovereignty, include enacting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the Cabinet of Japan.

History

The Diet's origins trace back to the Meiji Constitution of 1890, which established the Imperial Diet as Japan's first modern legislature, though its powers were limited under the Empire of Japan. Following World War II and the Occupation of Japan, the current Diet was created by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, primarily Douglas MacArthur, and the Government of Japan to embody democratic principles. The post-war Constitution of Japan, drafted during the Occupation of Japan, replaced the Imperial Diet, with the first elections under the new system held in 1947. Key historical sessions include the ratification of the Treaty of San Francisco and the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.

Structure and composition

The Diet is composed of two chambers: the lower House of Representatives and the upper House of Councillors. The House of Representatives has 465 members elected for a maximum four-year term through a mix of single-member district and proportional representation bloc voting. The House of Councillors has 245 members serving six-year terms, with half elected every three years, using a combination of multi-member district and nationwide proportional representation votes. Leadership includes the Speaker and the President, who preside over sessions and maintain order.

Powers and functions

As stipulated in the Constitution of Japan, the Diet holds several paramount powers. It is vested with the exclusive authority to enact laws, approve the national budget prepared by the Cabinet of Japan, and ratify treaties such as the Japan–United States Security Treaty. The Diet also has the power to conduct investigations in relation to government, select the Prime Minister of Japan, and initiate amendments to the Constitution of Japan. Furthermore, the House of Representatives holds a decisive role in passing votes of no confidence against the Cabinet of Japan.

Legislative process

Bills can be introduced by members of either chamber or by the Cabinet of Japan, with most legislation originating from the executive. A bill must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors to become law. In cases of disagreement, the House of Representatives can override the House of Councillors on most matters, including the budget and treaties, by a two-thirds majority of members present. The final promulgation of laws is performed by the Emperor of Japan as a ceremonial duty.

Relationship with the executive

The Diet exercises control over the Cabinet of Japan, which is collectively responsible to the legislature. The Prime Minister of Japan is designated from among the Diet members by a resolution and formally appointed by the Emperor of Japan. The Cabinet of Japan, headed by the Prime Minister, must resign *en masse* if the House of Representatives passes a vote of no confidence. This system, known as cabinet responsibility, is a key feature of the Westminster system adapted within Japan's constitutional framework, ensuring executive accountability to the elected representatives.

Current political landscape

As of recent elections, the dominant political force is the Liberal Democratic Party, which has held a coalition majority with Komeito in both chambers for much of the post-war period. The main opposition parties include the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Japan Innovation Party, and the Japanese Communist Party. The current Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, leads the Cabinet of Japan formed by this coalition. Key contemporary legislative issues have included debates over national security legislation, economic policies in response to COVID-19, and constitutional revision.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Japan Category:Government of Japan