Japanese Political Vocabulary

The Japanese language is rich and diverse, reflecting the complexity and depth of Japanese culture and society. In the field of politics, there is a vast vocabulary that captures the nuances of governmental practices, ideologies, and public debates.

This article explores 100 fundamental Japanese words related to politics, providing a comprehensive view of how the Japanese discuss and understand political issues. From historical terms to contemporary neologisms, this selection offers a fascinating overview of political language in Japan.

Curious to know how politics works in Japan? We recommend reading our article: Politics of Japan – How does the government work?

Shinzo Abe, famous former Prime Minister of Japan

Table of Contents

Learning Japanese Political Terms

Learning political vocabulary in Japanese is essential for anyone who wants to deeply understand the political landscape of Japan. Mastery of these terms allows for better interpretation of news, speeches, and debates, as well as providing a clearer view of public policies and governmental decisions.

Understanding words like “国会” (Kokkai, Parliament), “内閣” (Naikaku, cabinet), and “選挙” (senkyo, election) is fundamental to keeping up with the functioning of the Japanese political system and the interaction between different institutions.

You can also integrate the study of vocabulary with following political news and reading specialized articles in Japanese. Watching news programs, political debates, and speeches can help familiarize you with the practical use of the terms.

Additionally, participating in discussion groups or online forums dedicated to Japanese politics can provide contextual practice and interaction with other students or native speakers. This way, learning becomes more dynamic and relevant, allowing for a deeper and more applied understanding of Japanese political vocabulary.

Political Vocabulary in Japanese

To study the list of political vocabulary, it is important to adopt a structured and practical approach. To help, we categorized the terms into thematic groups, such as governmental institutions, electoral processes, political ideologies, and legislative terms.

Government Institutions and Positions

[上院議会] Jouingikai – The Senate.
[上院議員] Jouingiin – Senator.
[内閣] Naikaku – Cabinet (Executive of the Japanese government).
[参議院] Sangiin – House of Councillors.
[国会] Kokkai – Diet (Japanese Parliament).
[大統領] Daitouryou – President of the Republic.
[副大統領] Fuku Daitouryou – Vice President.
[総理大臣] Souridaijin – Prime Minister of Japan.
[大臣] Daijin – Minister, Chief of Cabinet.
[知事] Chiji – Governor.

Political Parties and Ideologies

[与党] Yotou – Ruling Party, Government Party.
[保守党] Hoshutou – Conservative Party.
[公明党] Koumeitou – Komeito Party.
[共和党] Kyouwatou – Republican Party.
[共産党] Kyousantou – Communist Party.
[民主党] Minshutou – Democratic Party.
[自民党] Jimintou – Liberal Party.
[自由民主党] Jiyuuminshutou – Liberal Democratic Party.
[社会党] Shakaitou – Socialist Party.
[野党] Yatou – Opposition Party.

Electoral Processes and Political Participation

[選挙] Senkyo – Election.
[候補] Kouho – Candidate.
[立候補する] Rikkouho Suru – To run for office.
[立候補者] Rikkouhosha – Candidate.
[投票] Touhyou – Voting.
[投票する] Touhyou Suru – To vote.
[選挙人名簿] Senkyoninmeibo – Voter Registration.
[選挙対策] Senkyo taisaku – Campaign Strategy.
[選挙戦] Senkyosen – Election Campaign.
[選挙権] Senkyoken – The right to vote.
[選挙民] Senkyomin – Electorate.
[選挙法] Senkyohou – Electoral Law.
[選挙資金] Senkyoshikin – Election Fund.

Terms Related to Politics and Governance

[デモ] Demo – Protest.
[リーダー] Riidaa – Leader.
[リードする] Riido suru – To lead.
[不平等] Fubyoudou – Inequality.
[不景気] Fukeiki – Recession.
[世論調査] Yoronchousa – Public Opinion Poll.
[主義] Shugi – Ideology, Doctrine.
[人権] Jinken – Human Rights.
[共和制、共和政] Kyouwasei – Republic.
[共産主義] Kyousanshugi – Communism.
[危機] Kiki – Crises.
[平等] Byoudou – Equality, Equity.
[政府] Seifu – Government.
[政治] Seiji – Politics.
[政治家] Seijika – Politician.
[政治犯] Seijihan – Corrupt politician.
[政略] Seiryaku – Political Maneuver.
[権力] Kenryoku – Power (political).
[権威者] Keinsha – Authority.
[民主主義] Minshushugi – Democracy.
[民主化] Minshuka – Democratization.
[民主化運動] Minshukaundou – Democratic Movement.
[演説] Enzetsu – Speech.
[演説家] Enzetsuka – Speaker.
[独裁] Dokusai – Dictatorship.
[独裁政治] Dokusaiseiji – Dictatorial Government.
[独裁者] Dokusaisha – Dictator.
[紛争] Funsou – Conflict.
[紛争解決] Funsoukaiketsu – Conflict Resolution.
[革命] Kakumei – Revolution.

Economy and Social Welfare

[助成金] Joseikin – Fund, Grant.
[厚生] Kousei – Social Welfare.
[失業] Shitsugyou – Unemployment.
[失業率] Shitsugyouritsu – Unemployment Rate.
[経済発展] Keizai Hatten – Economic Development.
[補助金] Hojokin – Subsidy, Aid.
[透明] Toumei – Transparency.

Other Relevant Terms

[儀式] Guishiki – Ceremony, Rite.
[元大統領] Moto Daitouryou – Former President of the Republic.
[創価学会] Soukagakkai – Soka Gakkai (Religion and political party).
[北大西洋条約機構] Kitataiseiyoujouyakukikou – NATO.
[即位の礼] Sokui no rei – Coronation Ceremony.
[即位式] Sokuishiki – Enthronement Ceremony.
[君主制、君主政] Kunshusei – Monarchy.
[国家元首] Kokkagenshu – Head of State.
[圧迫] Appaku – Oppression.
[堕落] Daraku – Corruption.
[多数派] Tasuuha – The Majority.
[少数派] Shousuuha – The Minority.
[右翼] Uyoku – Right.
[左翼] Sayoku – Left.
[有力政治家] Yuuryokuseijika – Influential Politician.
[歴史的] Rekishiteki – Historical.
[歴史的に] Rekishiteki ni – Historically.
[社会主義] Shakaishugi – Socialism.
[積極主義] Sekkyokushugi – Activism.
[言論の自由] Genron no Jiyuu – Freedom of Speech.
[議会] Gikai – Parliament.
[資本主義] Shihonshugi – Capitalism.

100 Japanese words about politics

Learning Japanese Political Terms