The House of Representatives, which with the House of Councillors forms the National Diet of Japan, makes laws, designates the Prime Minister from among the Members of the Diet, passes the fiscal budget, approves treaties, and fulfills other important functions. It also plays a role in collectively reflecting the nation’s will by discussing many wide-ranging issues concerning the right course for the nation and international peace-related matters down to the daily life of the people. It also scrutinizes the conduct of the administration for the benefit of the people, and considers petitions that it receives from the people.

The Constitution of Japan stipulates that the Diet is the “highest organ of state power,” and is the “sole law-making organ of the State.” Our Members of the House, chosen by the people in elections, are constantly aware of our heavy responsibility to guide Japan in the right direction through political debate, making the Diet both “open” and “easy” to understand, to our people in all walks of life.

We provide a House web site containing such information as the House structure, and the deliberations of plenary and committee meetings. I hope that you, who have accessed this page, will actively participate in matters of state affairs through your understanding of and interest in Japan’s Diet.

	Takahiro Yokomichi Speaker House of Representatives