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In very many ways Japan's government is similar to that of America. It has the same structure of government as it has an executive, judicial and legislative branch. It is also similar because the process of electing a leader is the same and both a Prime Minister and President of the US can stay in office for a total of four years. In Japan the Cabinet is appointed by the Prime Minister, while in the United States the Cabinet is appointed by with President with Senate's approval. Both political parties from each country are democratic. Although Japanese and US government are very similar there are a few core differences. All countries feel political pressure. In Japan this pressure comes from strong business groups and trade unions. In The United States this relentless pressure comes from environmentalists, churches, trade unions, business groups, ethnic groups, PACs, health groups, education groups, youth groups, transportation groups, veterans groups, reform groups and civics groups.

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Japan vs United States: Government Facts and Stats

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Government type, Legal system, Legislative branch, Constitution, Suffrage and 156 More Interesting Facts and Stats

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What kind of government does Japan have?

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What kind of government does Japan have?

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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Japan" Japan's government is very much like a mix of US government and British government in that it is a Constitutional Monarchy with three branches: Legislative, Judiciary and executive. Japan also has an emperor but he is only in charge of ceremonial duties. Japan is considered to be a democratic country. This is evident in all of their new innovations, technology, environmental consciousness and belief that all are equal. In Japan the economic situation is considered to be good. The judicial branch is headed by the Saiko Saibansho. The legislative branch is the National Diet. The executive branch of the Japanese Government consists of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers.

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"http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1900_elections.htm" A leader is chosen in Japan by way of what I like to call the "Japanese Parliament" or "The House of Representatives". I call it the "Japanese Parliament" because Japan has a Parliamentary System similar to that of England. During Japan's election time the House of Representatives gets together, takes the people's majority vote and then elects a Prime Minister. A Prime Minister is the head of Japan's government and a leader of the majority party. To be fair and ethical, a new Prime Minister arises every four years. The current Prime Minister of Japan is Shinzo Abe. "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/06/25/national/politics-diplomacy/abes-support-rate-rises-raising-chances-shrugging-off-scandals-become-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister/#.XFCMauHYrnEhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/06/25/national/politics-diplomacy/abes-support-rate-rises-raising-chances-shrugging-off-scandals-become-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister/#.XFCMauHYrnEhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/06/25/national/politics-diplomacy/abes-support-rate-rises-raising-chances-shrugging-off-scandals-become-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister/#.XFCMauHYrnEhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/06/25/national/politics-diplomacy/abes-support-rate-rises-raising-chances-shrugging-off-scandals-become-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister/#.XFCMauHYrnEhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/06/25/national/politics-diplomacy/abes-support-rate-rises-raising-chances-shrugging-off-scandals-become-japans-longest-serving-prime-minister/#.XFCMauHYrnE" During his first term he wasnt very popular but he straightened out by his second term in office as his approval rate went through the roof. To date, 62 people have assumed the position as Prime Minister of Japan. The first Prime Minister was Ito Hirobumi. He led Japan during 1885. Personally, I think that Japan's leader system is a great and fair one for everyone. Nobody can stay in power for too long and the person in charge is always someone chosen by the people of the country rather than slimy and corrupt government officials.

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"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_Japan" One very prevalent thing I found when researching Japan's laws was the fact that people thought their laws were crazy and out of the box compared to laws in Europe or the United States. It's fair to say that Japan is more reserved, polite and courteous than other countries and their laws reflect that. Japan has a zero tolerance policy against all drug related offenses and severe punishment comes with drug crime. Although Japanese people aren't completely accustomed or accepting of gay marriage it is legal. The legal driving age is 18, voting age is 20, drinking age is 20 and a person under 20 years of age cannot be married without both parent's consent. In Japan it's forbidden to throw away money or damage it, for if you do you could be fined a lot of money or sent to prison for an entire year. That was only one of those crazy laws I told you about earlier. You can't brew alchohol with a percentage higher than 1 at home. Foreigners must have their passports on them at all times. Smoking is allowed in most indoor places but not all outdoor places. Drinking on the street is legal in Japan. These are only a few of the many strange laws in the country of Japan.

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Flickr/mariusz kluzniak
Japan has a number of customs that are unfamiliar to the average foreigner.

Besides customs though, the country also has several laws that differ from other countries.

We took a look at a Reddit thread that asked, "What laws are foreigners most unaware of in Japan?" and did some of our own research to identify some of the country's most surprising laws.

1. Foreigners must have their passport on them at all times

According to the US Department of State, Japanese law allows police to stop anyone at any time on the street to see identification.

Because of this, foreigners should always carry their passport, so they can prove their identity. If you're caught without your passport, you can be arrested.

2. Certain over-the-counter medications that are legal in the US are illegal in Japan

While Japanese law allows Americans to bring up to a two-month supply of certain over-the-counter medications that are considered legal in Japan, there are a fair amount of OTC medications common in the US that are considered illegal in Japan, the US Department of State says. Any product that contains a stimulant (pseudoephedrine) is illegal in the country - this includes inhalers as well as sinus and allergy medications such as Sudafed.

It can be tough to figure out which medications are legal in Japan, since the Japanese consulate and embassy in the US don't have a full list of the medications that are legal and illegal in Japan. If you're bringing any kind of medicine into the country, be sure to also bring a prescription from your doctor and a letter explaining the purpose of the medication.

3. Smoking is allowed in most restaurants and bars, but not everywhere outdoors

Until recently, smokers had the luxury of smoking pretty much anywhere in Japan - inside and outside - and since tobacco is cheaper there than in most other countries, smoking has always been pretty prevalent. However, according to The Japan Times, recent laws have made it illegal to light up in certain urban public spaces. This includes not only on the street, but also in restaurants and bars, which now have designated areas for smokers and nonsmokers.

4. Drinking on the street is legal in Japan

Unlike in the US, open-container laws do not exist in the majority of places in Japan. While it is generally frowned upon to drink or eat in public outdoor spaces in the country, it is legal. There are even vending machines that offer beer and sake, and traditional festivals that involve drinking outside, such as Hanami where participants enjoy a picnic under blooming cherry blossoms.

However, if you are drinking on the streets, in a park, or on the beach, it's always a good idea to act respectfully and not draw too much attention yourself.

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4 Japanese laws that surprise most foreigners

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Japan has a number of customs that are unfamiliar to the average foreigner. Besides customs though, the country also has several laws that differ from other countries. We took a look at a Reddit thread that asked, "What laws are foreigners most unaware of in Japan?"

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All Japanese people are granted basic human rights and freedom of expression. The Japanese Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of speech and democracy. It very clearly also highlights the fact that freedom of expression MUST be respected. Shinzo Abe respects that very much and believes in it more than anything. Japan doesn't approve of hate speech but there is also no rule against it. The Constitution provides freedom of religion and marriage regardless of what gender you prefer. It's fair to say that Japan is a pretty caring and inclusive country. Japan provides all basic rights that everyone should alwasy have.