Law of JapanModule 2
The Constitution and public institutions: popular sovereignty, the Emperor, the Diet, the Cabinet, the ministries, local government, elections and treaties
The **Constitution of Japan** is short and clear. It says that **sovereign power resides with the people**, that the **Emperor** is a **symbol** with no powers of government, that the **Diet** is the highest organ of state power and the only law-making body, that the **Cabinet** carries out the law and is **responsible to the Diet**, and that the **courts** hold the judicial power (Module 3). Below the national level, **prefectures and municipalities** have **local autonomy** guaranteed by the Constitution. For a foreigner, the most important institutions are the **ministries** and **local offices** that grant permits and register residents, so this module also explains how the **administration** works. It states the structures and not the **number of seats or ministers**, which change.
This course explains the law of Japan, not US law. Rules that look the same elsewhere may be different.
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See what is included in the Courses & AI Lab Pass →General education on the law of Japan, using invented people and businesses. It states laws and procedures in simplified form and is not legal advice. The law and its practice change, and every case turns on its facts and on the authority concerned. It does not offer legal representation or a legal opinion on any case. Consult a Japanese-qualified attorney (bengoshi) for any real matter.
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