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Administration
The Japanese parliament, "Kokkai", has two chambers. The upper house,
"Sangi-in" has 252 members directly elected from constituencies
for six-year terms (half of which are renewed every three years).
The lower house, "Shugi-in" has 500 elected members for four-year
terms, partly by single-seat constituencies, partly by proportional
representation. The emperor is the head of state but has negligible
constitutional powers.
The appointment of the prime minister is formally entrusted to the
emperor, but the appointment must be approved by the Kokkai. The
prime minister holds executive power and is aided by a cabinet of
ministers.
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