President of the House of Councillors
The President of the House of Councillors is the presiding officer of the House of Councillors of Japan, and together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President is also the head of the legislative branch of Japan. The President is elected by members of the House at the start of each session, and can serve two three-year terms, for a maximum of six years.
President of the House of Councillors
President Akiko Santo with House Speaker Hiroyuki Hosoda and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
The residence of the President of the House of Councillors (Sangiin gichō kōtei) in Nagatachō, Chiyoda ward, Tokyo is mainly used for official occasions such as reception of state guests. The residence of the Vice President is located in Azabu-Nagasakachō in Minato ward.
Image: Yuzo Shigemune
The House of Councillors is the upper house of the National Diet of Japan. The House of Representatives is the lower house. The House of Councillors is the successor to the pre-war House of Peers. If the two houses disagree on matters of the budget, treaties, or the nomination of the prime minister, the House of Representatives can insist on its decision. In other decisions, the House of Representatives can override a vote of the House of Councillors only by a two-thirds majority of members present.
House of Councillors
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko seated in the Chamber of the House of Councillors, with Prince and Princess Akishino, the cabinet, and Prime Minister Naoto Kan giving the government's speech in front of the assembled members of parliament at a ceremony commemorating the 120th anniversary of the founding of National Diet. (2010)
