House of Peers

Japanese government

Also known as: Kizokuin

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July 1, 2026

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The House of Peers (Kizokuin) was the upper house of the Japanese legislature under the Meiji Constitution of 1889. It was largely an appointive body, intended to represent the nation's elite and act as a check on the elected lower house, the House of Representatives.1

Following World War II, the Constitution of 1947 replaced the House of Peers with the House of Councillors (Sangiin). This new upper house is composed of elected members, with half elected every three years for six-year terms. The modern Japanese legislature, known as the Diet (Kokkai), now vests the greatest power in the House of Representatives.2

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The upper house, the House of Peers (Kizokuin), was almost wholly appointive. Initially, its membership was slightly less than 300, but it was subsequently increased to approximately 400. The peers were intended to represent the top rank and quality of the nation and to serve as a check upon…
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The upper house, the House of Peers (Kizokuin), was almost wholly appointive. Initially, its membership was slightly less than 300, but it was subsequently increased to approximately 400. The peers were intended to represent the top rank and quality of the nation and to serve as a check upon…
Read More