A Look at Japan's Government

Japan's most recent governmental structure only dates back to WWII. Its constitution (also known as the Peace Constitution) was written in 1947. Japan's constitution sets up the system to be a constitutional monarchy; the head of state is the emperor, Akihito. The head of government, the prime minister, is Taro Aso.

Japan is a unitary but democratic state. Because it is small and homogenous it has an easy time centralizing power without alienating many citizens. It is important for the citizens to be on the government's side because Japan has a democratic electoral system. Even though Japan is a liberal democracy, it has upheld a dominant party system most of its legacy since its most recent constitution. The party in power has mainly been the Liberal Democratic Party, a right leaning party. Its major competition is the Democratic Party of Japan, a left leaning party.

The legislative branch in Japan is called the Diet. It is bicameral with the lower house, the House of Representatives, consisting of 480 members and the upper house, the House of Councillors, consisting of 242 members. The head of the executive branch rises out of the legislative; the prime minister and his cabinet also must be approved by the Diet. The judiciary in Japan has significant power as well for it contains the ability to give judicial review on legislation.

Japan has a capitalist economic system and also a high standard of living in most parts of the country. The economy is very strong so consumer goods such as lemonade are available to the people. Many drinks and cigarettes are even sold from vending machines placed all around the city. A major sector of Japan's economy lies in its transportation goods and services. The automobile industry plays a major role in providing for Japan's economy however also service companies like all the JR (Japanese Railroad) lines running public transportation throughout the city provide for the economy. A lot of economic activity in Japan involves the frontier of technology.

Japan has a thriving civil society however it is not entirely active. Most citizens are part of a non governmental organization but do not participate in interest articulation through those channels. Many unions exist for workers and teachers in Japan, and since employment is so high, this leaves a big part of the population that the government must consider when creating new policy.

Japan is a homogenous state where 99% of the population is ethnically Japanese. The low number of political cleavages allows for a consensual legislator and more efficiency when creating policy. 83.9% of the population is Shinto and 71.4% of the population is Buddhist however there is high religious freedom and tolerance in Japan so no strong political cleavages arise from religion.

After WWII the US and Japan have become strong allies. Since the US helped structure the new government and also modernize their economy Japan and the US have gotten along well. Also the economies of both countries are much intertwined with the other based from trade and communication.

In total, future prospects for Japan include stability, peace and success.