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House of Councillors (Sangiin)

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Japan’s House of Councillors: Diet Members Functioning as the ‘House of Prudence’

The House of Councillors is the upper house of Japan's Diet. In Japan's post-war constitution, the House of Prudence was established to replace the pre-war House of Peers, to curb the excesses of the House of Representatives, and to consider national politics from a multifaceted perspective from a long-term perspective. The term of office for Diet Members of the House of Councillors is six years, and half of the Diet Members are re-elected every three years (half-reelection). This prevents sudden changes in the composition of the entire parliament in a single election.

The biggest feature is that there is no ``dissolution'' like in the House of Representatives. Therefore, Diet Members of the House of Councillors are less susceptible to short-term populism and election waves, and are able to more stably tackle medium- to long-term national policy issues (social security, foreign affairs, educational reform, regional revitalization, etc.). The right to stand for election is set at a higher age than that for the House of Representatives, and the person must be 30 years of age or older.

The House of Councillors is composed of a total of 248 members selected from proportional representation representing the whole country (96 seats) and prefectural constituencies (152 seats). In particular, proportional representation uses a non-binding list system (voting by individual candidate's name) and has the aspect of occupational representation, bringing together people with diverse expertise and voices in the field, such as medicine, education, legal professions, and labor unions, as Diet Members. This site provides detailed profiles and the latest activity status of all 248 members of the House of Councillors.

House of Councillors Composition
Current Composition (Total: 248)
Liberal Democratic Party / Independents Group
101
Constitutional Democratic Party / Independents
40
Democratic Party for the People / New Green Breeze
25
Komeito
21
Japan Innovation Party
19
Sanseito
15
Japanese Communist Party
7
Non-affiliated Members
6
Reiwa Shinsengumi
5
Team Mirai / Independents Group
2
Okinawa no Kaze
2
Conservative Party of Japan
2
Social Democratic Party
2
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