Government of Japan
The government of Japan is a parliament with a constitutional monarchy where the Emperor has limited power, only to ceremonial duty. The real power is held in the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe and other members of the Diet. The current Emperor of Japan, who only appears during ceremony, is Akihoto and next in line is prince Naruhito. Japan's legislative organ is the National Diet, consisting of a House of Representatives and a House of Councillors. Japan's Prime Minister is head of government and Cabinet, so he appoints and dismisses the Ministers of State. The Japanese legal system developed independently during the Edo period, but lately since the 19th century, the judical system has been based on the civil law of Europe. Statutory law origionates in Japan's legislature and the National Diet of Japan. The Japanese court system is divided into the Supreme Court and the three lower courts. The main body of Japanese law is called the Six Codes.
Executive Branch
This branch reports to the Diet. The chief of the executive branch, the Prime Minister, is appointed by the Emperor as directed by the Diet. The Prime Minister must be civil and a member of either house of the diet. The Constitution states that majority of the Cabinet must be civil and elected members of either house of the Diet.
Judical Branch
This branch consists of several courts, with the Supreme Court, and includes a Bill of Rights similar to that of the U.S. The Supreme Court has right of reviewinig the Judical Branch. Court decisions in Japan are final judical authority. The Judical Branch is independent of the other two and its judges are appointed by the Emperor as directed by the Cabinet.