Japan plans to rename its upper parliamentary chamber from the House of Councillors to the Senate. The move addresses confusion over the current name outside Japan.
The upper chamber of Japan's Diet will change its English name to Senate.
The Japan Times reported the planned rename on July 24, 2026. Officials noted that the existing title sometimes causes confusion abroad.
The change is intended to clarify the chamber's role as the upper house of parliament.
Japan's parliament passed legislation Friday to create a second capital as a backup for Tokyo in emergencies such as disasters, effectively ending the 2026 main session after an eight-day extension.
Reported by AI
Japan's parliament decided on Friday to extend its current session for eight days until July 25, as the ruling bloc needs more time to pass key bills.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday signaled her intention to pursue a revision of the constitution, stressing that the postwar supreme law should be periodically updated in accordance with the demands of the times. In a video message to revision proponents on Constitution Memorial Day, she vowed to explain potential amendments to the public and advance Diet discussions with other parties' cooperation. Meanwhile, rallies calling to keep the constitution intact were held nationwide.
Reported by AI
Japan's lower house passed a bill on July 10 aimed at easing a looming imperial succession crisis as the monarchy shrinks with just one young male heir under a male-only succession rule.