The CIA World Factbook Every edition, 1990 to 2025 Asia
Executive branch Japan, in 35 editions.
The entry for Japan published Executive branch in 35 editions of 36, from 1990 to 2025. The text changed in 29 editions. Each is shown as published. Executive branch in every entry.
- editions changed the text
- 29
- the first edition with it
- 1990
- the latest edition with it
- 2025
Published as “Executive branch” (1990 to 2025), “Leaders” (1992 to 1993) and “Elections” (1992 to 1993).
field in that editiontext changed from the edition beforenot in that editionthe edition shownChoose an edition on the strip beside the text, or step through them with the arrows. Mark changes compares it with the edition before: the marks are ours, words added and words removed.
2025 edition
Changed since 2024The same text in 1990 and 1991.
- emperor,
- prime minister,
- Cabinet
emperor, prime minister, Cabinet
Published as “Executive branch”
- Emperor,
- prime minister,
- Cabinet
Published as “Leaders”
- Chief of State:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- Head of Government:
- Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991)
Published as “Elections”
- House of Councillors:
- last held on 23 July 1989 (next to be held 26 July 1992);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (263 total) LDP 114, SDPJ 71, CGP 20, JCP 14, other 33
- House of Representatives:
- last held on 18 February 1990 (next to be held by February 1993);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (512 total) LDP 278, SDPJ 137, CGP 46, JCP 16, DSP 13, others 5, independents 6, vacant 11
Rewritten: too little of the 1991 text remains to mark the changes.
Emperor, prime minister, Cabinet
Chief of State:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991)
House of Councillors:
last held on 23 July 1989 (next to be held 26 July 1992); results - percent
of vote by party NA; seats - (263 total) LDP 114, SDPJ 71, CGP 20, JCP 14,
other 33
House of Representatives:
last held on 18 February 1990 (next to be held by February 1993); results -
percent of vote by party NA; seats - (512 total) LDP 278, SDPJ 137, CGP 46,
JCP 16, DSP 13, others 5, independents 6, vacant 11
Published as “Elections”
- House of Councillors:
- last held on 26 July 1992 (next to be held NA July 1995);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (252 total) LDP 106, SDPJ 73, CGP 24, DSP 12, JCP 11, JNP 4, other 22
- House of Representatives:
- last held on 18 February 1990 (next to be held by NA February 1994);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (512 total) LDP 274, SDPJ 137, CGP 46, JCP 16, DSP 13, others 5, independents 6, vacant 15
Published as “Executive branch”
- Emperor,
- prime minister,
- Cabinet
Published as “Leaders”
- Chief of State:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- Head of Government:
- Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991)
Emperor, prime minister, CabinetHouse of Councillors:
Chief of State:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991)
last held on 23 26 July 1989 1992 (next to be held 26 NA July 1992); 1995); results - percent
of vote by party NA; seats - (263 (252 total) LDP 114, 106, SDPJ 71, 73, CGP 20, JCP 14, 24, DSP 12,
JCP 11, JNP 4, other 33 22
House of Representatives:
last held on 18 February 1990 (next to be held by NA February 1993); 1994); results -
- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (512 total) LDP 278, 274, SDPJ 137, CGP 46,
46, JCP 16, DSP 13, others 5, independents 6, vacant 11 15
Emperor, prime minister, Cabinet
Chief of State:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
Head of Government:
Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991)
The entry for Japan did not include Executive branch.
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Tomiichi MURAYAMA (since 30 June 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Yohei KONO (since 30 June 1994)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet; appointed by the prime minister
Rewritten: too little of the 1993 text remains to mark the changes.
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Tomiichi MURAYAMA (since 30 June
1994); Deputy Prime Minister Yohei KONO (since 30 June 1994)
cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) is a constitutional monarch
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 11 January 1996) and Deputy Prime Minister Wataru KUBO (since 11 January 1996) were designated by the Diet and appointed by the emperor
- cabinet:
- Cabinet was appointed by the prime minister
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) is a
constitutional monarch
head of government: Prime Minister Tomiichi MURAYAMA Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 30 June 111994); January 1996) and Deputy Prime Minister Yohei KONO Wataru KUBO (since 30 June 1994) 11
January 1996) were designated by the Diet and appointed by the
emperor
cabinet: Cabinet; Cabinet was appointed by the prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 11 January 1996);
- note - an acting prime minister - determined upon a rotational basis - serves when Prime Minister HASHIMOTO is out of the country
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- none;
- the emperor is a constitutional monarch;
- the Diet designates the prime minister;
- the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
Rewritten: too little of the 1996 text remains to mark the changes.
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 11 January
1996); note - an acting prime minister - determined upon a rotational
basis - serves when Prime Minister HASHIMOTO is out of the country
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: none; the emperor is a constitutional monarch; the Diet
designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the
prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore,
following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually
becomes prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 11 January 1996);
- note-an acting prime minister-determined upon a rotational basis-serves when Prime Minister HASHIMOTO is out of the country
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- none;
- the emperor is a constitutional monarch;
- the Diet designates the prime minister;
- the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO (since 11 January
1996); note - an note-an acting prime minister - determined minister-determined upon a rotationalbasis - serves basis-serves when Prime Minister HASHIMOTO is out of the country
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: none; the emperor is a constitutional monarch; the Diet
designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the
prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore,
following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually
becomes prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Keizo OBUCHI (since 30 July 1998)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- none;
- the monarch is hereditary;
- the Diet designates the prime minister;
- the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Ryutaro HASHIMOTO Keizo OBUCHI (since 11 January 30 July 1998)
1996); note-an acting prime minister-determined upon a rotational
basis-serves when Prime Minister HASHIMOTO is out of the country
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: none; the emperor monarch is a constitutional monarch; hereditary; the Diet
prime minister; the constitution requires that the
must command a parliamentary majority, therefore,
legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or
a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually
prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI (since 5 April 2000)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- none;
- the monarch is hereditary;
- the Diet designates the prime minister;
- the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
note: on 3 April 2000, Prime Minister Keizo OBUCHI suffered a stroke and was relieved of his duties; Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio AOKI became acting prime minister; on 5 April 2000, Yoshiro MORI was elected prime minister by a vote in both houses of the Diet, receiving 137 out of 244 votes cast in the House of Councillors ans 335 out of 488 votes cast in the House of Representatives
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Keizo OBUCHI Yoshiro MORI (since 30 July 1998) 5 April 2000)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the
note: on 3 April 2000, Prime Minister Keizo OBUCHI suffered a stroke and was relieved of his duties; Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio AOKI became acting prime minister; on 5 April 2000, Yoshiro MORI was elected prime minister by a vote in both houses of the Diet, receiving 137 out of 244 votes cast in the House of Councillors ans 335 out of 488 votes cast in the House of Representatives
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 24 April 2001) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party, and soon thereafter designated by the Diet to become the next prime minister
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)Yoshiro MORI Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 5 24 April 2000)2001) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministeron 3 April 2000, following the resignation of Prime Minister Keizo OBUCHI suffered a stroke and was relieved of his duties; Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio AOKI became acting prime minister; on 5 April 2000, Yoshiro MORI MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected prime minister by a vote in both houses of as the Diet, receiving 137 out new president of 244 votes cast in the House of Councillors ans 335 out of 488 votes cast in majority Liberal Democratic Party, and soon thereafter designated by the House of Representatives Diet to become the next prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party, and soon thereafter designated by the Diet to become the next prime minister
- elections:
- none;
- the monarch is hereditary;
- the Diet designates the prime minister;
- the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 24 April 2001)
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) head
note: following the resignation of government: Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 24 April 2001) cabinet: Cabinet appointed was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party, and soon thereafter designated by the Diet to become the next prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister note: following
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the resignation prime minister
head of government: Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party, and soon thereafter designated by the Diet to become the next prime minister (since 24 April 2001)
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party and soon thereafter designated by the Diet to become the next prime minister
- elections:
- none;
- the monarch is hereditary;
- the Diet designates the prime minister;
- the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority;
- therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April 2001)
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
note: following the resignation of Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party, Party and soon thereafter designated by the Diet to become the next prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a parliamentary majority, majority; therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 24 26 April 2001)
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April 2001)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- Diet designates prime minister;
- constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- monarch is hereditary
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)note: following the resignation head of government: Prime Minister Yoshiro MORI, Junichiro KOIZUMI was elected as the new president of the majority Liberal Democratic Party and soon thereafter designated (since 26 April 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the Diet to become the next prime minister
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the Diet designates the prime minister; the constitution requires that the prime minister must command a commands parliamentary majority; therefore, following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister minister; monarch is hereditary
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April 2001)
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April 2001)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- Diet designates prime minister;
- constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- KOIZUMI's term as leader of the LDP is scheduled to end in September 2006;
- a new prime minister may be chosen at that time;
- monarch is hereditary
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI (since 26 April 2001)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; KOIZUMI's term as leader of the LDP is scheduled to end in September 2006; a new prime minister may be chosen at that time; monarch is hereditary
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 September 2006)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- Diet designates prime minister;
- constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- monarch is hereditary
- election results:
- ABE was elected prime minister with 339 of 476 votes cast in the House of Representatives and 136 of 240 votes cast in the House of Councilors.
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Junichiro KOIZUMI Shinzo ABE (since 26 April 2001) September 2006)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; KOIZUMI's term as leader of the LDP is scheduled to end in September 2006; a new prime minister may be chosen at that time; monarch is hereditary
election results: ABE was elected prime minister with 339 of 476 votes cast in the House of Representatives and 136 of 240 votes cast in the House of Councilors.
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Yasuo FUKUDA (since 26 September 2007)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- Diet designates prime minister;
- constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- monarch is hereditary
- election results:
- FUKUDA elected prime minister with 338 of 477 votes cast in the House of Representatives;
- he received 106 of 240 votes cast in the House of Councillors;
- vote of House of Representatives prevailed
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Shinzo ABE Yasuo FUKUDA (since 26 September 2006) 2007)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; monarch is hereditary
election results: ABE was FUKUDA elected prime minister with 339 338 of 476 477 votes cast in the House of Representatives and 136 Representatives; he received 106 of 240 votes cast in the House of Councilors. Councillors; vote of House of Representatives prevailed
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 24 September 2008)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- Diet designates prime minister;
- constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- monarch is hereditary
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government: Prime Minister Yasuo FUKUDA Taro ASO (since 26 24 September 2007) 2008)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections: Diet designates prime minister; constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; monarch is hereditary
election results: FUKUDA elected prime minister with 338 of 477 votes cast in the House of Representatives; he received 106 of 240 votes cast in the House of Councillors; vote of House of Representatives prevailed
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Yukio HATOYAMA (since 16 September 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 16 September 2009)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections:
- Diet designates prime minister;
- constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- monarch is hereditary
chief of state:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government:
Prime Minister Taro ASO Yukio HATOYAMA (since 24 16 September 2008) 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 16 September 2009)
cabinet:
Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections:
Diet designates prime minister; constitution requires that prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; monarch is hereditary
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 8 June 2010)
- cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- Diet designates the prime minister;
- constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- the monarchy is hereditary
chief of state:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government:
Prime Minister Yukio HATOYAMA (since 16 September 2009); Deputy Prime Minister Naoto KAN (since 16 September 2009) 8 June 2010)
cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:
Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; monarch the monarchy is hereditary
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Yoshihiko NODA (since 30 August 2011)
- cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- Diet designates the prime minister;
- constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- the monarchy is hereditary
chief of state:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government:
Prime Minister Naoto KAN Yoshihiko NODA (since 8 June 2010) 30 August 2011)
cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:
Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
- cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- Diet designates the prime minister;
- constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- the monarchy is hereditary
chief of state:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government:
Prime Minister Yoshihiko NODA Shinzo ABE (since 30 August 2011) 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:
Diet designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary
The same text in 2013 and 2014.
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
- cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
- elections:
- Diet, the bicameral legislature, designates the prime minister;
- constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority;
- following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister;
- the monarchy is hereditary
chief of state:
Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
head of government:
Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
cabinet:
Cabinet is appointed by the prime minister
(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website)
elections:Diet Diet, the bicameral legislature, designates the prime minister; constitution requires that the prime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, the leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition in House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary
The same text in 3 editions, 2015 to 2017.
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
chief of state:
head of government:
cabinet:is appointed by the prime minister(For more information visit theWorld Leaders website) elections/appointments: the
elections:
Diet, the bicameral legislature, designates the prime minister; constitution requires thatprime minister commands parliamentary majority; following legislative elections, monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or leader of majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989); note - The Imperial Council ruled on 2 December 2017 that the Emperor will be allowed to abdicate in April 2019
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) 1989); note - The Imperial Council ruled on 2 December 2017 that the Emperor will be allowed to abdicate in April 2019
head of government: Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO NARUHITO (since 7 January 1989); 1 May 2019); note - The Imperial Council ruled succeeds his father who abdicated on 2 December 2017 that the Emperor will be allowed to abdicate in 30 April 2019
head of government: Prime Minister Shinzo ABE (since 26 December 2012); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- chief of state:
- Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Yoshihide SUGA (since 16 September 2020 ); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
head of government: Prime Minister Shinzo ABE Yoshihide SUGA (since 26 December 2012); 16 September 2020 ); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO (since 26 December 2012)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
The same text in 2021 and 2022.
- chief of state:
- Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 )
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- election results:
- Fumio KISHIDA relected prime minister on 10 November 2021 by the lower house with 297 votes against 108 for Yukio EDANO and in the upper houese 141 for KISHIDA and 60 for EDANO
chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
head of government: Prime Minister Yoshihide SUGA (since 16 September 2020 ); Deputy Prime Minister Taro ASO Fumio KISHIDA (since 26 December 2012) 4 October 2021 )
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
election results: Fumio KISHIDA relected prime minister on 10 November 2021 by the lower house with 297 votes against 108 for Yukio EDANO and in the upper houese 141 for KISHIDA and 60 for EDANO
- chief of state:
- Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 )
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- election results:
- Fumio KISHIDA reelected prime minister on 10 November 2021;
- upper house vote - Fumio KISHIDA (LDP) 141, Yukio EDANO 60 (CDP);
- lower house vote - Fumio KISHIDA 297, Yukio EDANO 108
chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019
head of government: Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA (since 4 October 2021 )
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
election results: Fumio KISHIDA relected reelected prime minister on 10 November 2021 by the lower 2021; upper house with 297 votes against 108 for vote - Fumio KISHIDA (LDP) 141, Yukio EDANO and in the upper houese 141 for KISHIDA and 60 for (CDP); lower house vote - Fumio KISHIDA 297, Yukio EDANO 108
- chief of state:
- Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA (since 1 October 2024)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- elections/appointments:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- election results:
- 2024: Shigeru ISHIBA (LDP) elected prime minister on 27 September 2024;
- upper house vote - 143 of 242 votes;
- lower house vote - 291 of 461 votes (note - ISHIBA resigned as prime minister on 11 November 2024 following parliamentary elections but was re-elected over Yoshihiko NODA (CDP) in the second round of voting in the lower house, 221-160)
- 2021: Fumio KISHIDA reelected prime minister on 10 November 2021;
- upper house vote - Fumio KISHIDA (LDP) 141, Yukio EDANO (CDP) 60;
- lower house vote - Fumio KISHIDA 297, Yukio EDANO 108
chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019); note - succeeds his father who abdicated on 30 April 2019 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA Shigeru ISHIBA (since 4 1 October 2021 ) 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
election results: 2024: Shigeru ISHIBA (LDP) elected prime minister on 27 September 2024; upper house vote - 143 of 242 votes; lower house vote - 291 of 461 votes (note - ISHIBA resigned as prime minister on 11 November 2024 following parliamentary elections but was re-elected over Yoshihiko NODA (CDP) in the second round of voting in the lower house, 221-160)
2021: Fumio KISHIDA reelected prime minister on 10 November 2021; upper house vote - Fumio KISHIDA (LDP) 141, Yukio EDANO 60 (CDP); (CDP) 60; lower house vote - Fumio KISHIDA 297, Yukio EDANO 108
- chief of state:
- Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019)
- head of government:
- Prime Minister Sanae TAKAICHI (since 21 October 2025)
- cabinet:
- Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
- election/appointment process:
- the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
- election results:
- 2025: Sanae TAKAICHI (LDP) elected prime minister on 21 October 2025;
- upper house vote - 125 of 171 votes (runoff);
- lower house vote - 237 of 386 votes
- 2024: Shigeru ISHIBA (LDP) elected prime minister on 27 September 2024;
- upper house vote - 143 of 242 votes;
- lower house vote - 291 of 461 votes
note: Shigeru ISHIBA resigned as prime minister on 7 September 2025; the party vote on the new prime minister is expected in early October 2025
chief of state: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019)
head of government: Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA Sanae TAKAICHI (since 1 21 October 2024) 2025)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime ministerelections/appointments: election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives usually becomes prime minister
election results:
2025: Sanae TAKAICHI (LDP) elected prime minister on 21 October 2025; upper house vote - 125 of 171 votes (runoff); lower house vote - 237 of 386 votes
2024: Shigeru ISHIBA (LDP) elected prime minister on 27 September 2024; upper house vote - 143 of 242 votes; lower house vote - 291 of 461 votes (note -
note: Shigeru ISHIBA resigned as prime minister on 11 November 2024 following parliamentary elections but was re-elected over Yoshihiko NODA (CDP) in 7 September 2025; the second round of voting in party vote on the lower house, 221-160) new prime minister
2021: Fumio KISHIDA reelectedon 10 November 2021; upper house vote - Fumio KISHIDA (LDP) 141, Yukio EDANO (CDP) 60; lower house vote - Fumio KISHIDA 297, Yukio EDANO 108 is expected in early October 2025
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Cite this page
Central Intelligence Agency. “Japan: Executive branch.” The World Factbook, 1990–2025 editions. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/japan/executive-branch.