Is japan a democracy?

The politics of Japan is conducted in a framework of a multi-party bicameral parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy whereby the Emperor acts as the ceremonial head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government and the head of the Cabinet, which directs the executive branch. read more

Japan is a member state of the United Nations and pursues a permanent membership of the Security Council - Japan is one of the "G4 nations" seeking permanent membership. Japan plays an important role in East Asia. The Japanese Constitution prohibits the use of military forces to wage war against other countries. read more

The Democracy Index on Wikipedia puts it at no. 23, in terms of democracy, as a point of reference, the USA is at no. 20: Democracy Index The Economist Democracy Index considers Japan a 'flawed democracy', so basically, the answer is 'yes, barely'. read more

Unfortunately democracy and social movements in Japan have rarely been under close international scrutiny. Now we have the time and an indispensable chance to do so, because today, Japan is on the brink of changing from a pacifist state to one prepared to go to war if necessary. read more