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.