IFES
 

July 20, 2025 Confirmed

Japan
Japan
Election for Sangiin (Japanese House of Councillors)


General Information

At Stake in this Election: 

  • 125* seats in the House of Councillors 

* Initially, 124 seats were scheduled for renewal. The resignation of a Councilor brought the total to 125. 

  • Chief of State: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019) 

  • Head of Government: Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA (since 1 October 2024) 

  • Assembly: bicameral National Diet (Kokkai), comprised of the 465-seat House of Representatives (Shugiin) and the 248-seat House of Councillors (Sangiin) 

  • The monarchy is hereditary, although succession practices must be in line with laws established by the National Diet.  

  • The Prime Minister is nominated by members of the National Diet via a resolution and is formally appointed to office by the emperor. The Prime Minister is usually the head of the majority party or coalition in the House of Representatives.  

  • All members of the House of Representatives are directly elected via a mixed electoral system. Members serve 4-year terms.  

  • All members of the House of Councillors are directly elected via a mixed system. Members serve a 6-year term.  

The last election for House of Councillors was held on July 10, 2022. The Liberal Democratic Party (Jiyū-Minshutō) won 63 seats, the Constitutional Democratic Party (Rikken-minshutō) won 17 seats, the Komeito party won 13 seats, and Nippon Ishin no Kai won 12 seats. Voter turnout was 52%. 

Information for Voters: 

なるほど!選挙 / I see! Election (in Japanese 

Key Deadlines: 

    • Seats won in last election: 63 out of 124 

    • Seats won in last election: 17 out of 124 

    • Seats won in last election: 12 out of 124 

  • Komeito (NKP) / Kōmeitō    

    • Seats won in last election: 13 out of 124 

    • Seats won in last election: 5 out of 124 

    • Seats won in last election: 4 out of 124 

    • Seats won in last election: 3 out of 124 

    • Seats won in last election: 1 out of 124 

Population and Registered Voters: 

Gender Data: 

  • Gender Quota: No legislated quotas. Some political parties have adopted voluntary quotas.  

  • Female Candidates in this election: Yes 

Disability Data: 

  • CRPD Status: Signed 28 September 2007, Ratified 20 January 2014 

  • Projected population with a disability: 19,836,059 (2024 est.) 

IFES Resources: 

 

Election Modified: Jul 07, 2025

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