- CHAPTER I THE EMPEROR
- CHAPTER II RENUNCIATION OF WAR
- CHAPTER III RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PEOPLE
- CHAPTER IV THE DIET
- CHAPTER V THE CABINET
- CHAPTER VI JUDICIARY
- CHAPTER VII FINANCE
- CHAPTER VIII LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
- CHAPTER IX AMENDMENTS
- CHAPTER X SUPREME LAW
- CHAPTER XI SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
Promulgated on November 3, 1946 Came into effect on May 3, 1947
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 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.
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 Article 4. The Emperor shall perform only such acts in matters of state as Article 5. When, in accordance with the Imperial House Law, a Regency is Article 6. The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister as designated by Article 7. The Emperor, with the advice and approval of the Cabinet, shall Promulgation of amendments of the constitution, laws, cabinet 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.
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.
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE PEOPLE
Article 10. The conditions necessary for being a Japanese national shall be Article 11. The people shall not be prevented from enjoying any of the Article 12. The freedoms and rights guaranteed to the people by this Article 13. All of the people shall be respected as individuals. Their right to Article 14. All of the people are equal under the law and there shall be no Article 15. The people have the inalienable right to choose their public Article 16. Every person shall have the right of peaceful petition for the Article 17. Every person may sue for redress as provided by law from the Article 18. No person shall be held in bondage of any kind. Involuntary Article 19. Freedom of thought and conscience shall not be violated. Article 20. Freedom of religion is guaranteed to all. No religious Article 21. Freedom of assembly and association as well as speech, press Article 22. Every person shall have freedom to choose and change his CHAPTER I
THE EMPEROR
acts of the Emperor in matters of state, and the Cabinet shall be responsible
therefor.
are provided for in this 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.
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.
the Diet.
The Emperor shall appoint the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court as
designated by the Cabinet.
perform the following acts in matters of state on behalf of the people:
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.
CHAPTER II
RENUNCIATION OF WAR
CHAPTER III
determined by law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
State or a public entity, in case he has suffered damage through illegal act
of any public official.
servitude, except as punishment for crime, is prohibited.
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.
and all other forms of expression are guaranteed.
No censorship shall be maintained, nor shall the secrecy of any means of
communication be violated.
residence and to choose his occupation to the extent that it does not
interfere with the public welfare.