Politics is a fundamental aspect of Japanese society, as it is in other nations around the world. For those who are learning Japanese and interested in politics, it is essential to know the language's political vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the main topics and subtopics related to politics in Japan and introduce you to relevant Japanese vocabulary.
Understanding political vocabulary in Japanese is essential for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the study of the language and Japanese politics. Mastering these can help improve communication and understanding of news and political debates in Japan.
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Table of Contents
Political System and Government
The Japanese political system is based on a constitutional monarchy, in which the Emperor (天皇, Tennō) has a primarily ceremonial role.
The Japanese Parliament consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives (衆議院, Shūgiin) and the House of Councilors (参議院, Sangiin).
The Prime Minister (首相, Shushō) is the head of government and leads the Cabinet (内閣, Naikaku), which is composed of several ministers (大臣, Daijin) responsible for different political and istrative areas.
Here are some keywords related to the Japanese political system and government:
- 知事 (Chiji) - Governor
- President - President of the Republic
- 副大統領 (Fuku Daitouryou) - Vice President
- 即位式 (Sokuishiki) - Coronation Ceremony
- Enthronement Ceremony (Sokui no rei) - Ceremony, Coronation Celebration
- National Diet (Kokkai) - Parliament
- Shūgiin - Chamber of Deputies
- House of Councillors (Sangiin) - Chamber of Councillors
- Cabinet (Naikaku) - Cabinet
- 首相 (Shushō) - Prime Minister
- Minister - Minister
- Prime Minister - Prime Minister
- 天皇 (Tennō) - Emperor
- Kenpō - Constitution
- Politics - Política
- General election - General election
- 立法 (Rippō) - Legislation
- istrative (Gyōsei) - istration
- Judiciary - Judiciary
- Local Government (Chihō jichitai) - Local Government
Political parties
Political parties in Japan play an important role in the political process. Some of the major political parties include:
- 自民党 (Jimintō) - Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
- Democratic Party (Minshutō) - Democratic Party (DP)
- Kōmeitō - Komeito Party
- Shamintō - Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Communist Party (Kyōsantō) - Communist Party (J)
- 保守主義 (Hoshu shugi) - Conservatism
- Progressivism (Shinpo shugi) - Progressivism
- Socialism (Shakai shugi) - Socialism
- Jiyū shugi - Liberalism
- Green Party - Partido Verde
Elections and Voting
Japanese elections take place regularly to choose representatives for the Houses of Parliament, regional governors and local mayors.
Electors (選挙人, Senkyonin) vote (投票, Tōhyō) for their preferred candidates in electoral districts (選挙区, Senkyoku). After the elections (選挙, Senkyo) are over, the votes are counted (開票, Kaiketsu) and the victorious candidates (当選, Tōsen) take office.
See some related words:
- Election (Senkyo) - Election
- Voting - Voting
- Winning - Elected
- 落選 (Rakusen) - Defeated
- Electoral district - Distrito eleitoral
- Elector - Eleitor
- 開票 (Kaiketsu) - Vote counting
- 無所属 (Mushozoku) - Independent
- 立候補 (Rikkōho) - Candidacy
- Election campaign - Campanha eleitoral
- 演説 (Enzetsu) - Speech
- Public Opinion - Opinião pública
Foreign Policy and International Relations
Foreign policy and international relations are important aspects of Japanese politics. Some keywords include:
- 外交 (Gaikō) - Diplomacy
- International relations - International relations
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Gaimushō) - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- 大使 (Taishi) - Ambassador
- Consulate - Consulado
- United Nations (UN) - United Nations (UN)
- Alliance (Dōmei) - Alliance
- Shinzen - Friendship
- Peace (Wahei) - Peace
- Trade (Bōeki) - Commerce
- Economic sanctions - Sanções econômicas
- 人道支援 (Jindō shien) - Humanitarian aid
- Security Council (Anzen hosho rijikai) - UN Security Council
- World Trade Organization (WTO) - World Trade Organization (WTO)
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) - Organization of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO)
Internal politics and social issues
Domestic politics and social issues are also important topics in the Japanese political context. Some related include:
- Economic Policy (Keizai seisaku) - Economic policy
- Zaisei - Public finances
- Social Security (Shakai hoshō) - Social security
- Education Policy (Kyōiku seisaku) - Educational policy
- Environmental Policy - Environmental policy
- Defense Policy - Defense policy
- Employment Policy (Koyō seisaku) - Employment policy
- Tax system (Zeisei) - Tax system
- Social Welfare (Shakai fukushi) - Social welfare
- Health Policy (Kenkō seisaku) - Health policy
- Immigration policy (Imin seisaku) - Immigration policy
- Urban Planning (Toshi keikaku) - Urban Planning
activism and protest
Activism and protests are also important elements in Japanese and global politics. Some related keywords are:
- 抗議 (Kōgi) - Protest
- Demonstration - Demonstration
- ストライキ (Sutoraiki) - Strike
- Opposition movement (Hantai undō) - Opposition movement
- Pressure group (Atsuryoku dantai) - Pressure group
- Shimin katsudō - Civic activism
- Petition (Seigan) - Petition
- Shittoin - Occupation
- Boycott - Boicote
- ピケ (Pike) - Picket
- Environmental movement - Movimento ambiental
- Human Rights Movement - Movement of human rights
I hope these additional words will help deepen your understanding of Japanese political vocabulary.
