Japan Winterim 2017: The Japanese Government

The National Diet Building

In 1947, the Constitution of Japan was established, supporting the ideas of popular sovereignty, fundamental human rights, and peace. The governmental structure functions as a constitutional democracy, and much like the United States, Japan's government includes the "separation of powers" with a judicial, legislative, and executive branch. Like America, the Japanese judicial branch is comprised of a Supreme Court. The legislative branch is made up of two houses, The House of Representatives serving four-year terms with 475 members and the House of Councillors serving six-year terms with 242 members. Unlike the United States, this branch of government holds the most power and designates the prime minister, chief judge, and other judges of the Supreme Court. Additionally, most cabinet members are chosen from the Diet. The legislative branch is also responsible for approving the national budget, ratifying international treaties, and amending the Constitution. Lastly, the executive branch is made up of the prime minister who serves five years and cabinet members who handle governmental affairs, overseeing Fair Trade, National Public Safety, Financial Services, Science and Technology, Central Disaster Management, and Gender Equality. The current prime minister, Shinzo Abe, is nearing the end of his second term. Prior to his current term, Abe resigned due to health issues but returned after the earthquake in 2011. The emperor represents the "symbol of the State and unity of the people." While the Japanese government is similar to the United States in many respects, the government greatly resembles Great Britain, where there is an unequal distribution of power.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in 2016
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/26/national/imperial-couple-departs-philippines-first-ever-official-visit-reigning-emperor/

In recent news, the government is considering creating a bill allowing the current emperor to retire in late April. This bill was originally planned to be submitted in May, but the opposing political party wishes to expand the bill to future emperors as well.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at Pearl Harbor

Prime Minister Shinto Abe speaks at Pearl Harbor
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201612280064.html

In terms of diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan, this past December 7th, 2016 marked the 75th anniversary of the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Honolulu to pay his respects. He stated, "It is my wish that ... people all around the world will continue to remember Pearl Harbor as the symbol of reconciliation...We must never repeat the horrors of war. We, the people of Japan, will continue to uphold this unwavering principle, while harboring quiet pride in the path we have walked as a peace-loving nation over these 70 years since the war ended.” The overall message between Prime Minister Abe and President Obama was one of hope, reconciliation, and tolerance.

Prime Minister Abe at his New Years press conference
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35219262

On January 4th, Prime Minister Abe gave a speech on Japan's goals for the New Year. He stated that his number one goal for 2017 is economic growth. He believes that the first step in this direction is the Diet's ability to quickly finalized the 2017 fiscal budget.

Additionally, Japan hopes to collaborate with China and South Korea in February to discuss the environment, ways to combat terrorism, and the free trade deal.

Today, we visited the National Diet of Japan, and more specifically, we were able to go inside the main chamber of the House of Representatives. The building was built in 1936 and took seventeen years to build. The guide leading the tour told us that the building is made almost entirely out of Japanese goods except for stained glass imported from Great Britain and locks and keys and a post system imported from the United States. This comment showed me how much pride the guide took in his country, evoking a sense of nationalism. As shown below, the main chamber is a large room and has enough seats seats to accomodate the Speaker of the House, the Prime Minister, the Emperor, the Imperial Family, diplomats, the press, and citizens.