Leaders in japan?

As with many countries around the world, the ultimate leader of Japan is the current prime minister. The prime minister is of course aided by many politicians that together vote and decide on the country's policies both home and abroad.

• Prime minister of Japan

Currently the prime minister of Japan is Naoto Kan. He has held this role since June 2010. Appointed by the Emperor of Japan, the prime minster must have the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in power. The prime minster of Japan needs to be both a civilian of the country and also a member of either house of the Diet.

The five previous prime ministers of Japan before Naoto Kan are as follows:

Yukio Hatoyama - (2009 - 2010)
Taro Aso - (2008-2009)
Yasuo Fukuda - (2007-2008)
Shinzo Abe - (2006-2007)
Junichiro Koizumi - (2001-2006)

• Cabinet of Japan

After the prime minster of Japan, comes their cabinet when determining the leaders of the country. The cabinet is up to 14 members strong and the current set up came into force in 1947.

The cabinet is made up of both members of either house of the Diet and also of civilians. The cabinet is responsible for all the major decisions of the country and will usually vote on certain policies or laws before they are introduced to the country.