General Information
At Stake in this Election:
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125* seats in the House of Councillors
* Initially, 124 seats were scheduled for renewal. The resignation of a Councilor brought the total to 125.
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Chief of State: Emperor NARUHITO (since 1 May 2019)
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Head of Government: Prime Minister Shigeru ISHIBA (since 1 October 2024)
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Assembly: bicameral National Diet (Kokkai), comprised of the 465-seat House of Representatives (Shugiin) and the 248-seat House of Councillors (Sangiin)
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The monarchy is hereditary, although succession practices must be in line with laws established by the National Diet.
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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.
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All members of the House of Representatives are directly elected via a mixed electoral system. Members serve 4-year terms.
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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:
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Voter registration deadline: not applicable; voter registration is passive.
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Liberal Democratic Party (LDP/Jimintō) / Jiyū-Minshutō
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Seats won in last election: 63 out of 124
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Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP or Minshutō) / Rikken-minshutō
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Seats won in last election: 17 out of 124
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Japan Innovation Party / Nippon Ishin no Kai
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Seats won in last election: 12 out of 124
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Komeito (NKP) / Kōmeitō
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Seats won in last election: 13 out of 124
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Democratic Party of the People (DPP) / Kokumin Minshu-tō
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Seats won in last election: 5 out of 124
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Japanese Communist Party (JCP) / Nihon Kyōsan-tō
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Seats won in last election: 4 out of 124
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Reiwa Shinsengumi / Reiwa Shinsengumi
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Seats won in last election: 3 out of 124
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Social Democratic Party / Shakai Minshu-tō (Shamin-tō)
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Seats won in last election: 1 out of 124
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Population and Registered Voters:
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Population: 123,975,371 (2024 est.)
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Registered Voters: 104,083,563 (2024)
Gender Data:
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Female Population: 63,745,563 (2023 est.)
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CEDAW Status: Signed 17 July 1980, Ratified 25 June 1985
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Gender Quota: No legislated quotas. Some political parties have adopted voluntary quotas.
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Female Candidates in this election: Yes
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Number of Female Legislators (pre-election): 73 out of 465 in the House of Representatives and 61 out of 248 members of the House of Councillors
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Human Development Index (HDI) Position: 0.920, Very high (2022 est.)
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Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) Categorization: 32.9% (2025 est.)
Disability Data:
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CRPD Status: Signed 28 September 2007, Ratified 20 January 2014
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Projected population with a disability: 19,836,059 (2024 est.)
IFES Resources:
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ElectionJudgments: Yes, 5 judgments