THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN
I rejoice that the foundation for the construction of a new Japan has been laid
according to the will of the Japanese people, and hereby sanction and promulgate
the amendments of the Imperial Japanese Constitution effected following the
consultation with the Privy Council and the decision of the Imperial Diet made
in accordance with Article 73 of the said Constitution.
Signed : HIROHITO, Seal of the Emperor
This third day of the eleventh month of the twenty-first year of Showa
(November 3, 1946)
Countersigned :
Prime Minister and concurrently
Minister for Foreign Affairs YOSHIDA Shigeru
Minister of State Baron SHIDEHARA Kijuro
Minister of Justice KIMURA Tokutaro
Minister for Home Affairs OMURA Seiichi
Minister of Education TANAKA Kotaro
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry WADA Hiroo
Minister of State SAITO Takao
Minister of Communications HITOTSUMATSU Sadayoshi
Minister of Commerce and Industry HOSHIJIMA Niro
Minister of Welfare KAWAI Yoshinari
Minister of State UEHARA Etsujiro
Minister of Transportation HIRATSUKA Tsunejiro
Minister of Finance ISHIBASHI Tanzan
Minister of State KANAMORI Tokujiro
Minister of State ZEN Keinosuke
THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN
We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in
the National Diet, determined that we shall secure for ourselves and our
posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings
of liberty throughout this land, and resolved that never again shall we be
visited with the horrors of war through the action of government, do proclaim
that sovereign power resides with the people and do firmly establish this
Constitution. Government is a sacred trust of the people, the authority for
which is derived from the people, the powers of which are exercised by the
representatives of the people, and the benefits of which are enjoyed by the
people. This is a universal principle of mankind upon which this Constitution is
founded. We reject and revoke all constitutions, laws, ordinances, and rescripts
in conflict herewith.
We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of
the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we have determined to
preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the
peace-loving peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honored place in an
international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment
of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth.
We recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in the peace,
free from fear and want.
We believe that no nation is responsible to itself alone, but that laws of
political morality are universal; and that obedience to such laws is incumbent
upon all nations who would sustain their own sovereignty and justify their
sovereign relationship with other nations.
We, the Japanese people, pledge our national honor to accomplish these high
ideals and purposes with all our resources.
CHAPTER I. THE EMPEROR
Article 1.
The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people,
deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign
power.
Article 2.
The Imperial Throne shall be dynastic and succeeded to in accordance with the
Imperial House Law passed by the Diet.
Article 3.
The advice and approval of the Cabinet shall be required for all acts of the
Emperor in matters of state, and the Cabinet shall be responsible therefor.
Article 4.
The Emperor shall perform only such acts in matters of state as are provided for
in the Constitution and he shall not have powers related to government.
The Emperor may delegate the performance of his acts in matters of state as may
be provided by law.
Article 5.
When, in accordance with the Imperial House Law, a Regency is established, the
Regent shall perform his acts in matters of state in the Emperor's name. In this
case, paragraph one of the preceding article will be applicable.
Article 6.
The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister as designated by the Diet.
The Emperor shall appoint the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court as designated by
the Cabinet.
Article 7.
The Emperor, with the advice and approval of the Cabinet, shall perform the
following acts in matters of state on behalf of the people:
Promulgation of amendments of the constitution, laws, cabinet orders and
treaties.
Convocation of the Diet.
Dissolution of the House of Representatives.
Proclamation of general election of members of the Diet.
Attestation of the appointment and dismissal of Ministers of State and other
officials as provided for by law, and of full powers and credentials of
Ambassadors and Ministers.
Attestation of general and special amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve,
and restoration of rights.
Awarding of honors.
Attestation of instruments of ratification and other diplomatic documents as
provided for by law.
Receiving foreign ambassadors and ministers.
Performance of ceremonial functions.
Article 8.
No property can be given to, or received by, the Imperial House, nor can any
gifts be made therefrom, without the authorization of the Diet.
CHAPTER II. RENUNCIATION OF WAR
Article 9.
Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the
Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the
threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air
forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained.
The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.
CHAPTER III. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PEOPLE
Article 10.
The conditions necessary for being a Japanese national shall be determined by
law.
Article 11.
The people shall not be prevented from enjoying any of the fundamental human
rights. These fundamental human rights guaranteed to the people by this
Constitution shall be conferred upon the people of this and future generations
as eternal and inviolate rights.
Article 12.
The freedoms and rights guaranteed to the people by this Constitution shall be
maintained by the constant endeavor of the people, who shall refrain from any
abuse of these freedoms and rights and shall always be responsible for utilizing
them for the public welfare.
Article 13.
All of the people shall be respected as individuals. Their right to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall, to the extent that it does not
interfere with the public welfare, be the supreme consideration in legislation
and in other governmental affairs.
Article 14.
All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no discrimination
in political, economic or social relations because of race, creed, sex, social
status or family origin.
Peers and peerage shall not be recognized.
No privilege shall accompany any award of honor, decoration or any distinction,
nor shall any such award be valid beyond the lifetime of the individual who now
holds or hereafter may receive it.
Article 15.
The people have the inalienable right to choose their public officials and to
dismiss them.
All public officials are servants of the whole community and not of any group
thereof.
Universal adult suffrage is guaranteed with regard to the election of public
officials.
In all elections, secrecy of the ballot shall not be violated. A voter shall not
be answerable, publicly or privately, for the choice he has made.
Article 16.
Every person shall have the right of peaceful petition for the redress of damage,
for the removal of public officials, for the enactment, repeal or amendment of
laws, ordinances or regulations and for other matters; nor shall any person be
in any way discriminated against for sponsoring such a petition.
Article 17.
Every person may sue for redress as provided by law from the State or a public
entity, in case he has suffered damage through illegal act of any public
official.
Article 18.
No person shall be held in bondage of any kind. Involuntary servitude, except as
punishment for crime, is prohibited.
Article 19.
Freedom of thought and conscience shall not be violated.
Article 20.
Freedom of religion is guaranteed to all. No religious organization shall
receive any privileges from the State, nor exercise any political authority.
No person shall be compelled to take part in any religious act, celebration,
rite or practice.
The State and its organs shall refrain from religious education or any other
religious activity.
Article 21.
Freedom of assembly and association as well as speech, press and all other forms
of expression are guaranteed.
No censorship shall be maintained, nor shall the secrecy of any means of
communication be violated.
Article 22.
Every person shall have freedom to choose and change his residence and to choose
his occupation to the extent that it does not interfere with the public welfare.
Freedom of all persons to move to a foreign country and to divest themselves of
their nationality shall be inviolate.
Article 23.
Academic freedom is guaranteed.
Article 24.
Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes and it shall be
maintained through mutual cooperation with the equal rights of husband and wife
as a basis.
With regard to choice of spouse, property rights, inheritance, choice of
domicile, divorce and other matters pertaining to marriage and the family, laws
shall be enacted from the standpoint of individual dignity and the essential
equality of the sexes.
Article 25.
All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome
and cultured living.
In all spheres of life, the State shall use its endeavors for the promotion and
extension of social welfare and security, and of public health.
Article 26.
All people shall have the right to receive an equal education correspondent to
their ability, as provided by law.
All people shall be obligated to have all boys and girls under their protection
receive ordinary education as provided for by law. Such compulsory education
shall be free.
Article 27.
All people shall have the right and the obligation to work.
Standards for wages, hours, rest and other working conditions shall be fixed by
law.
Children shall not be exploited.
Article 28.
The right of workers to organize and to bargain and act collectively is
guaranteed.
Article 29.
The right to own or to hold property is inviolable. Property rights shall be
defined by law, in conformity with the public welfare.
Private property may be taken for public use upon just compensation therefor.
Article 30.
The people shall be liable to taxation as provided by law.
Article 31.
No person shall be deprived of life or liberty, nor shall any other criminal
penalty be imposed, except according to procedure established by law.
Article 32.
No person shall be denied the right of access to the courts.
Article 33.
No person shall be apprehended except upon warrant issued by a competent judical
officer which specifies the offense with which the person is charged, unless he
is apprehended, the offense being committed.
Article 34.
No person shall be arrested or detained without being at once informed of the
charges against him or without the immediate privilege of counsel; nor shall he
be detained without adequate cause; and upon demand of any person such cause
must be immediately shown in open court in his presence and the presence of his
counsel.
Article 35.
The right of all persons to be secure in their homes, papers and effects against
entries, searches and seizures shall not be impaired except upon warrant issued
for adequate cause and particularly describing the place to be searched and
things to be seized, or except as provided by Article 33.
Each search or seizure shall be made upon separate warrant issued by a ompetent
judical officer.
Article 36.
The infliction of torture by any public officer and cruel punishments are
absolutely forbidden.
Article 37.
In all criminal cases the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public
trial by an impartial tribunal.
He shall be permitted full opportunity to examine all witnesses, and he shall
have the right of compulsory process for obtaining witnesses on his behalf at
public expense.
At all times the accused shall have the assistance of competent counsel who
shall, if the accused is unable to secure the same by his own efforts, be
assigned to his use by the State.
Article 38.
No person shall be compelled to testify against himself.
Confession made under compulsion, torture or threat, or after prolonged arrest
or detention shall not be admitted in evidence.
No person shall be convicted or punished in cases where the only proof against
him is his own confession.
Article 39.
No person shall be held criminally liable for an act which was lawful at the
time it was committed, or of which he has been acquitted, nor shall he be placed
in double jeopardy.
Article 40.
Any person, in case he is acquitted after he has been arrested or detained, may
sue the State for redress as provided by law.
CHAPTER IV. THE DIET
Article 41.
The Diet shall be the highest organ of state power, and shall be the sole law-
making organ of the State.
Article 42.
The Diet shall consist of two Houses, namely the House of Representatives and
the House of Councillors.
Article 43.
Both Houses shall consist of elected members, representative of all the people.
The number of the members of each House shall be fixed by law.
Article 44.
The qualifications of members of both Houses and their electors shall be fixed
by law. However, there shall be no discrimination because of race, creed, sex,
social status, family origin, education, property or income.
Article 45.
The term of office of members of the House of Representatives shall be four
years. However, the term shall be terminated before the full term is up in case
the House of Representatives is dissolved.
Article 46.
The term of office of members of the House of Councillors shall be six years,
and election for half the members shall take place every three years.
Article 47.
Electoral districts, method of voting and other matters pertaining to the method
of election of members of both Houses shall be fixed by law.
Article 48.
No person shall be permitted to be a member of both Houses simultaneously.
Article 49.
Members of both Houses shall receive appropriate annual payment from the
national treasury in accordance with law.
Article 50.
Except in cases provided by law, members of both Houses shall be exempt from
apprehension while the Diet is in session, and any members apprehended before
the opening of the session shall be freed during the term of the session upon
demand of the House.
Article 51.
Members of both Houses shall not be held liable outside the House for speeches,
debates or votes cast inside the House.
Article 52.
An ordinary session of the Diet shall be convoked once per year.
Article 53.
The Cabinet may determine to convoke extraordinary sessions of the Diet. When a
quarter or more of the total members of either House makes the demand, the
Cabinet must determine on such convocation.
Article 54.
When the House of Representatives is dissolved, there must be a general election
of members of the House of Representatives within forty (40) days from the date
of dissolution, and the Diet must be convoked within thirty (30) days from the
date of the election.
When the House of Representatives is dissolved, the House of Councillors is
closed at the same time. However, the Cabinet may in time of national emergency
convoke the House of Councillors in emergency session.
Measures taken at such session as mentioned in the proviso of the preceding
paragraph shall be provisional and shall become null and void unless agreed to
by the House of Representatives within a period of ten (10) days after the
opening of the next session of the Diet.
Article 55.
Each House shall judge disputes related to qualifications of its members.
However, in order to deny a seat to any member, it is necessary to pass a
resolution by a majority of two-thirds or more of the members present.
Article 56.
Business cannot be transacted in either House unless one-third or more of total
membership is present.
All matters shall be decided, in each House, by a majority of those present,
except as elsewhere provided in the Constitution, and in case of a tie, the
presiding officer shall decide the issue.
Article 57.
Deliberation in each House shall be public. However, a secret meeting may be
held where a majority of two-thirds or more of those members present passes a
resolution therefor.
Each House shall keep a record of proceedings. This record shall be published
and given general circulation, excepting such parts of proceedings of secret
session as may be deemed to require secrecy.
Upon demand of one-fifth or more of the members present, votes of the members on
any matter shall be recorded in the minutes.
Article 58.
Each House shall select its own president and other officials.
Each House shall establish its rules pertaining to meetings, proceedings and
internal discipline, and may punish members for disorderly conduct. However, in
order to expel a member, a majority of two-thirds or more of those members
present must pass a resolution thereon.
Article 59.
A bill becomes a law on passage by both Houses, except as otherwise provided by
the Constitution.
A bill which is passed by the House of Representatives, and upon which the House
of Councillors makes a decision different from that of the House of
Representatives, becomes a law when passed a second time by the House of
Representatives by a majority of two-thirds or more of the members present.
The provision of the preceding paragraph does not preclude the House of
Representatives from calling for the meeting of a joint committee of both Houses,
provided for by law.
Failure by the House of Councillors to take final action within sixty (60) days
after receipt of a bill passed by the House of Representatives, time in recess
excepted, may be determined by the House of Representatives to constitute a
rejection of the said bill by the House of Councillors.
Article 60.
The budget must first be submitted to the House of Representatives.
Upon consideration of the budget, when the House of Councillors makes a decision
different from that of the House of Representatives, and when no agreement can
be reached even through a joint committee of both Houses, provided for by law,
or in the case of failure by the House of Councillors to take final action
within thirty (30) days, the period of recess excluded, after the receipt of the
budget passed by the House of Representatives, the decision of the House of
Representatives shall be the decision of the Diet.
Article 61.
The second paragraph of the preceding article applies also to the Diet approval
required for the conclusion of treaties.
Article 62.
Each House may conduct investigations in relation to government, and may demand
the presence and testimony of witnesses, and the production of records.
Article 63.
The Prime Minister and other Ministers of State may, at any time, appear in
either House for the purpose of speaking on bills, regardless of whether they
are members of the House or not. They must appear when their presence is
required in order to give answers or explanations.
Article 64.
The Diet shall set up an impeachment court from among the members of both Houses
for the purpose of trying those judges against whom removal proceedings have
been instituted.
Matters relating to impeachment shall be provided by law.
CHAPTER V. THE CABINET
Article 65.
Executive power shall be vested in the Cabinet.
Article 66.
The Cabinet shall consist of the Prime Minister, who shall be its head, and
other Ministers of State, as provided for by law.
The Prime Minister and other Ministers of State must be civilians.
The Cabinet, in the exercise of executive power, shall be collectively
responsible to the Diet.
Article 67.
The Prime Minister shall be designated from among the members of the Diet by a
resolution of the Diet. This designation shall precede all other business.
If the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors disagree and if no
agreement can be reached even through a joint committee of both Houses, provided
for by law, or the House of Councillors fails to make designation within ten (10)
days, exclusive of the period of recess, after the House of Representatives has
made designation, the decision of the House of Representatives shall be the
decision of the Diet.
Article 68.
The Prime Minister shall appoint the Ministers of State.
However, a majority of their number must be chosen from among the members of the
Diet.
The Prime Minister may remove the Ministers of State as he chooses.
Article 69.
If the House of Representatives passes a non-confidence resolution, or rejects a
confidence resolution, the Cabinet shall resign en masse, unless the House of
Representatives is dissolved within ten (10) days.
Article 70.
When there is a vacancy in the post of Prime Minister, or upon the first
convocation of the Diet after a general election of members of the House of
Representatives, the Cabinet shall resign en masse.
Article 71.
In the cases mentioned in the two preceding articles, the Cabinet shall continue
its functions until the time when a new Prime Minister is appointed.
Article 72.
The Prime Minister, representing the Cabinet, submits bills, reports on general
national affairs and foreign relations to the Diet and exercises control and
supervision over various administrative branches.
Article 73.
The Cabinet, in addition to other general administrative functions, shall
perform the following functions:
Administer the law faithfully; conduct affairs of state.
Manage foreign affairs.
Conclude treaties. However, it shall obtain prior or, depending on circumstances,
subsequent approval of the Diet.
Administer the civil service, in accordance with standards established by law.
Prepare the budget, and present it to the Diet.
Enact cabinet orders in order to execute the provisions of this Constitution and
of the law. However, it cannot include penal provisions in such cabinet orders
unless authorized by such law.
Decide on general amnesty, special amnesty, commutation of punishment, reprieve,
and restoration of rights.
Article 74.
All laws and cabinet orders shall be signed by the competent Minister of State
and countersigned by the Prime Minister.
Article 75.
The Ministers of State, during their tenure of office, shall not be subject to
legal action without the consent of the Prime Minister. However, the right to
take that action is not impaired hereby.
CHAPTER VI. JUDICIARY
Article 76.
The whole judical power is vested in a Supreme Court and in such inferior courts
as are established by law.
No extraordinary tribunal shall be established, nor shall any organ or agency of
the Executive be given final judicial power.
All judges shall be independent in the exercise of their conscience and shall be
bound only by this Constitution and the laws.
Article 77.
The Supreme Court is vested with the rule-making power under which it determines
the rules of procedure and of practice, and of matters relating to attorneys,
the internal discipline of the courts and the administration of judicial affairs.
Public procurators shall be subject to the rule-making power of the Supreme
Court.
The Supreme Court may delegate the power to make rules for inferior courts to
such courts.
Article 78.
Judges shall not be removed except by public impeachment unless judicially
declared mentally or physically incompetent to perform official duties. No
disciplinary action against judges shall be administered by any executive organ
or agency.
Article 79.
The Supreme Court shall consist of a Chief Judge and such number of judges as
may be determined by law; all such judges excepting the Chief Judge shall be
appointed by the Cabinet.
The appointment of the judges of the Supreme Court shall be reviewed by the
people at the first general election of members of the House of Representatives
following their appointment, and shall be reviewed again at the first general
election of members of the House of Representatives after a lapse of ten (10)
years, and in the same manner thereafter.
In cases mentioned in the foregoing paragraph, when the majority of the voters
favors the dismissal of a judge, he shall be dismissed.
Matters pertaining to review shall be prescribed by law.
The judges of the Supreme Court shall be retired upon the attainment of the age
as fixed by law.
All such judges shall receive, at regular stated intervals, adequate
compensation which shall not be decreased during their terms of office.
Article 80.
The judges of the inferior courts shall be appointed by the Cabinet from a list
of persons nominated by the Supreme Court. All such judges shall hold office for
a term of ten (10) years with privilege of reappointment, provided that they
shall be retired upon the attainment of the age as fixed by law.
The judges of the inferior courts shall receive, at regular stated intervals,
adequate compensation which shall not be decreased during their terms of office.
Article 81.
The Supreme Court is the court of last resort with power to determine the
constitutionality of any law, order, regulation or official act.
Article 82.
Trials shall be conducted and judgment declared publicly.
Where a court unanimously determines publicity to be dangerous to public order
or morals, a trial may be conducted privately, but trials of political offenses,
offenses involving the press or cases wherein the rights of people as guaranteed
in Chapter III of this Constitution are in question shall always be conducted
publicly.
CHAPTER VII. FINANCE
Article 83.
The power to administer national finances shall be exercised as the Diet shall
determine.
Article 84.
No new taxes shall be imposed or existing ones modified except by law or under
such conditions as law may prescibe.
Article 85.
No money shall be expended, nor shall the State obligate itself, except as
authorized by the Diet.
Article 86.
The Cabinet shall prepare and submit to the Diet for its consideration and
decision a budget for each fiscal year.
Article 87.
In order to provide for unforeseen deficiencies in the budget, a reserve fund
may be authorized by the Diet to be expended upon the responsibility of the
Cabinet.
The Cabinet must get subsequent approval of the Diet for all payments from the
reserve fund.
Article 88.
All property of the Imperial Household shall belong to the State. All expenses
of the Imperial Household shall be appropriated by the Diet in the budget.
Article 89.
No public money or other property shall be expended or appropriated for the use,
benefit or maintenance of any religious institution or association, or for any
charitable, educational or benevolent enterprises not under the control of
public authority.
Article 90.
Final accounts of the expenditures and revenues of the Sate shall be audited
annually by a Board of Audit and submitted by the Cabinet to the Diet, together
with the statement of audit, during the fiscal year immediately following the
period covered.
The organization and competency of the Board of Audit shall be determined by law.
Article 91.
At regular intervals and at least annually the Cabinet shall report to the Diet
and the people on the state of national finances.
CHAPTER VIII. LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
Article 92.
Regulations concerning organization and operations of local public entities
shall be fixed by law in accordance with the principle of local autonomy.
Article 93.
The local public entities shall establish assemblies as their deliberative
organs, in accordance with law.
The chief executive officers of all local public entities, the members of their
assemblies, and such other local officials as may be determined by law shall be
elected by direct popular vote within their several communities.
Article 94.
Local public entities shall have the right to manage their property, affairs and
administration and to enact their own regulations within law.
Article 95.
A special law, applicable only to one local public entity, cannot be enacted by
the Diet without the consent of the majority of the voters of the local public
entity concerned, obtained in accordance with law.
CHAPTER IX. AMENDMENTS
Article 96.
Amendments to this Constitution shall be initiated by the Diet, through a
concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall
thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the
affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special
referendum or at such election as the Diet shall specify.
Amendments when so ratified shall immediately be promulgated by the Emperor in
the name of the people, as an integral part of this Constitution.
CHAPTER X. SUPREME LAW
Article 97.
The fundamental human rights by this Constitution guaranteed to the people of
Japan are fruits of the age-old struggle of man to be free;
they have survived the many exacting tests for durability and are conferred upon
this and future generations in trust, to be held for all time inviolate.
Article 98.
This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the nation and no law, ordinance,
imperial rescript or their act of government, or part thereof, contrary to the
provisions hereof, shall have legal force or validity.
The treaties concluded by Japan and established laws of nations shall be
faithfully observed.
Article 99.
The Emperor or the Regent as well as Ministers of State, members of the Diet,
judges, and all other public officials have the obligation to respect and uphold
this Constitution.
CHAPTER XI. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
Article 100.
This Constitution shall be enforced as from the day when the period of six
months will have elapsed counting from the day of its promulgation.
The enactment of laws necessary for the enforcement of this Constitution, the
election of members of the House of Councillors and the procedure for the
convocation of the Diet and other preparatory procedures necessary for the
enforcement of this Constitution may be executed before the day prescribed in
the preceding paragraph.
Article 101.
If the House of Councillors is not constituted before the effective date of this
Constitution, the House of Representatives shall function as the Diet until such
time as the House of Councillors shall be constituted.
Article 102.
The term of office for half the members of the House of Councillors serving in
the first term under this Constitution shall be three years.
Members falling under this category shall be determined in accordance with law.
Article 103.
The Ministers of State, members of the House of Representatives and judges in
office on the effective date of this Constitution, and all other public
officials who occupy positions corresponding to such positions as are recognized
by this Constitution shall not forfeit their positions automatically on account
of the enforcement of this Constitution unless otherwise specified by law. When,
however, successors are elected or appointed under the provisions of this
Constitution, they shall forfeit their positions as a matter of course.