CHAPTER X. SUPREME LAW
第十章 最高法規
第九十七条
The fundamental human rights by this Constitution guaranteed to the people of Japan are fruits of the age-old struggle of man to be free; they have survived the many exacting tests for durability and are conferred upon this and future generations in trust, to be held for all time inviolate.
この憲法が日本国民に保障する基本的人権は、人類の多年にわたる自由獲得の努力の成果であつて、これらの権利は、過去幾多の試錬に堪へ、現在及び将来の国民に対し、侵すことのできない永久の権利として信託されたものである。
第九十八条
This Constitution shall be the supreme law of the nation and no law, ordinance, imperial rescript or other act of government, or part thereof, contrary to the provisions hereof, shall have legal force or validity.
この憲法は、国の最高法規であつて、その条規に反する法律、命令、詔勅及び国務に関するその他の行為の全部又は一部は、その効力を有しない。
The treaties concluded by Japan and established laws of nations shall be faithfully observed.
日本国が締結した条約及び確立された国際法規は、これを誠実に遵守することを必要とする。
第九十九条
The Emperor or the Regent as well as Ministers of State, members of the Diet, judges, and all other public officials have the obligation to respect and uphold this Constitution.
天皇又は摂政及び国務大臣、国会議員、裁判官その他の公務員は、この憲法を尊重し擁護する義務を負ふ。
the Diet
国会
Japan's parliament, and under Article 41 the only body that can make an Act (法律). It has two chambers, the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, both made up of elected members (Articles 42 and 43). It designates the Prime Minister, approves the budget and treaties, and can start the process of amending the Constitution. A Cabinet Order (政令) or Ministerial Order (省令) may impose a duty or a penalty only where an Act the Diet passed says it may.
Written by AI using Constitution, Arts. 41, 42, 43 and Wikipedia: National Diet as a reference.
Emperor
天皇
The symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, holding that position by the will of the people (Article 1). The Emperor performs only the acts in matters of state the Constitution lists — appointing the Prime Minister the Diet has designated, promulgating laws, convoking the Diet — and has no powers related to government at all (Article 4, paragraph (1), and Articles 6 and 7). Every one of those acts needs the Cabinet's advice and approval, and the Cabinet, not the Emperor, answers for it (Article 3).
Written by AI using Constitution, Arts. 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and Wikipedia: Emperor of Japan as a reference.
Minister of State
国務大臣
A member of the Cabinet other than the Prime Minister (Article 66, paragraph (1)). All of them must be civilians, and a majority must be members of the Diet; the Prime Minister appoints them and may dismiss them at will (Article 66, paragraph (2), and Article 68). Most head a ministry, which is why a Ministerial Order (省令) — a Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Order (厚生労働省令), for instance — is issued in a Minister's name. Ministers of State are among the people the Constitution binds to respect and uphold it (Article 99).
Written by AI using Constitution, Arts. 66, 68, 75, 99 and 国家行政組織法, Art. 5 as a reference.