Library Guides: Southeast Asian Region Countries Law: Legislation

How legislation is made

The National Diet of Japan is comprised of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. A bill may be submitted to the Diet by a member of the Diet or a member of the cabinet. A bill passed by one house is sent to the other. A bill becomes law when it has been approved by both houses.

Japanese Legislation

EHS Law Bulletin Series
(print held in Law Library, call number KT 4621 JAPA) - Comprehensive collection of translations of Japanese laws, contains almost all principal laws and orders of Japan written in English version.
Information of Services for Diet
Open access, most resources are in Japanese language only, includes the following:
• Minutes of the Diet (May 1947 onwards)
• Minutes of the Imperial Diet (Nov 1890 - Mar 1947)
• Index to Japanese law, regulations and bills (some coverage from 1886)
• Laws and regulations in early Meiji Japan (1867 - 1886)
• Parliamentary Documents and Official Publications of Japanese and Foreign Government
Laws enacted by the House of Councilors
Full text of laws enacted, listed by legislative session. Open access, Japanese language only.
Mizuho Securities
English translations of finance and general legislation. Open access, Japanese language only.
NATLEX
Compiled by the International Labour Organisation, NATLEX is a database of national labour, social security and related human rights legislation.