Classification of national and local elections in Japan's electoral system.
Overview
Types of Elections in Japan
Elections in Japan are broadly classified into national elections (House of Representatives general elections, House of Councillors regular elections) and local elections (prefectural governor and assembly member elections, municipal mayor and assembly member elections). Additionally, there are unified local elections held on scheduled dates and special elections such as by-elections when vacancies occur. These elections are conducted based on the Constitution of Japan and the Public Offices Election Law, serving as important institutions that guarantee citizens' right to participate in government.
elections
national elections
local elections
House of Representatives
House of Councillors
electoral system
politics
democracy
| code | slug | name | description | canBeDissolved | category | termYears | totalSeats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | house-of-representatives | House of Representatives General Election | National election to elect members of the House of Representatives, the lower house of Japan's National Diet. | true | national | 4 | 465 |
| 02 | house-of-councillors | House of Councillors Regular Election | National election to elect members of the House of Councillors, the upper house of Japan's National Diet. | false | national | 6 | 248 |
| 03 | prefectural-governor | Prefectural Governor Election | Local election to elect the prefectural governor, the chief executive of a prefecture. | false | local | 4 | |
| 04 | prefectural-assembly | Prefectural Assembly Member Election | Local election to elect members of the prefectural assembly, the deliberative body of a prefecture. | true | local | 4 | |
| 05 | municipal-mayor | Municipal Mayor Election | Local election to elect the municipal mayor, the chief executive of a city, ward, town, or village. | false | local | 4 | |
| 06 | municipal-assembly | Municipal Assembly Member Election | Local election to elect members of the municipal assembly, the deliberative body of a city, ward, town, or village. | true | local | 4 | |
| 07 | by-election | By-election | Special election held when a vacancy occurs in a parliamentary or assembly seat. | false | special | ||
| 08 | re-election | Re-election | Special election held when an elected candidate dies or becomes ineligible before taking office. | false | special |