House of Representatives (Japan)

Composition and election

The House of Representatives currently has 465 members elected for a maximum term of four years, though the body is frequently dissolved earlier. Members must meet constitutional eligibility requirements, including a minimum age. The chamber is elected under a mixed electoral system combining single-member constituencies and proportional representation lists, designed to balance local representation and party proportionality.

Structure and powers

The lower house holds several important constitutional powers. It approves the national budget, ratifies treaties, and designates the prime minister. Where the two chambers disagree on budgetary or executive matters the decision of the House of Representatives can prevail under constitutional procedures. The chamber can also pass a motion of no confidence; a successful motion typically requires the Cabinet to resign or prompts dissolution and a general election.

Internal organization and work

The House is led by a Speaker and supported by vice-speakers, party caucuses, and standing committees that examine bills, budgets, and government policy. Sessions of the Diet include ordinary, extraordinary, and special sittings at which legislation is debated, amended, and voted upon.

History and significance

The institution traces its roots to Japan's modern parliamentary developments in the late 19th century and assumed its present constitutional role after World War II under the 1947 constitution. In practice the House of Representatives is the decisive chamber in forming governments: the party or coalition holding a majority typically supplies the prime minister and Cabinet, making its composition central to Japanese politics.

Key functions

• Legislating and amending laws
• Approving the budget and fiscal measures
• Selecting the prime minister and overseeing the Cabinet
• Conducting inquiries through committees and questioning ministers