The political framework of Japan

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

Emperor: Naruhito (since 1 May 2019); succeeded his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
Prime Minister: Shigeru Ishiba (since 1 October 2024)

Next Election Dates

House of Representatives: October 2028
House of Councillors: July 2025

Current Political Context

Former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba was elected leader of the ruling party and became Japan's new Prime Minister in early October 2024. He succeeded Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who opted not to seek re-election, citing his intention to take responsibility for the LDP's fundraising scandal and to demonstrate the party's capacity for change.
The new administration’s economic policies are expected to align largely with those of its predecessor, focusing on wage increases and job market reforms. Ishiba’s own economic agenda highlights wealth redistribution and rural revitalisation as key priorities. However, Ishiba’s administration faced significant challenges after the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition lost its majority in the Lower House elections. Determined to capitalise on his high approval ratings, Ishiba dissolved the Lower House shortly after taking office, calling for a snap election, but this decision backfired. In the 27 October election, the ruling coalition secured only 215 seats, falling short of the 233-seat threshold needed for a simple majority in the 465-seat chamber—a situation not seen since 2009. As a result, the government now relies on opposition support for passing legislation, adding to political instability.
Concerning foreign policy, Ishiba has proposed strengthening Japan’s defence capabilities by creating an "Asian version of NATO" and exploring the possibility of sharing U.S. nuclear weapons in the region. These moves aim to bolster alliances with the U.S. and possibly other partners like South Korea. However, such a strategy may be perceived as anti-China. To balance this, Ishiba has called for a more diplomatic approach to stabilise Sino-Japanese relations, acknowledging the importance of their deep trade and investment ties.

Main Political Parties

The main political parties represented in the parliament include:

- The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): centre-right, conservative, nationalist, liberal, populist
- The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP): centre to centre-right, liberal
- Komeito (NK): centre-right, conservative, pacifist, in coalition with the LDP
- Social Democratic Party (SDP): centre-left to left-wing, social-democratic
- Japan Innovation Party (Ishin): conservative, right-wing, populist
- Democratic Party for the People (DPP): centre to centre-right
- Japanese Communist Party (JPC): left-wing to far-left, socialist; more than doubled its representation in the last election
- Reiwa Shinsengumi: left-wing, populist and progressive
- NHK Party: populist
- Okinawa Social Mass Party: local party represented in the parliament, social-democratic
- Sanseitō: right-wing, populist
- Yūshi no Kai: centre
- Conservative Party of Japan (CPJ): ultranationalist, right-wing populist.

Executive Power

The head of State is the Emperor and the role is largely ceremonial. The leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition in the parliament (House of Representatives) is normally appointed Prime Minister by the Emperor after being nominated by the National Diet. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government and enjoys executive powers, which include implementation of the law and running of day-to-day affairs. The Cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister.

Legislative Power

The legislature in Japan is bicameral. The parliament, called the National Diet, consists of the House of Councillors (the upper house) and the House of Representatives (the lower house). The House of Councillors contains 248 members, elected through a popular vote for six-year terms, with half of the membership being renewed every three years. The House of Representatives contains 465 members, elected through a popular vote for four-year terms. The Constitution of Japan states that the nation's 'highest organ of state power' is the National Diet. The executive branch of government is directly or indirectly dependent on the support of the National Diet, which is often expressed through a vote of confidence.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

World Rank:

67/180

Indicator of Political Freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political Freedom:

1/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Source: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House