Japan operates as a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy with Emperor Naruhito as ceremonial head of state and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi leading a Liberal Democratic minority government since October 2025. The bicameral National Diet holds legislative power amid political instability following 2024 and 2025 elections, with the ruling bloc maintaining a slim lower house majority but needing opposition support in the upper house. Key challenges include legislative negotiations and efforts to regain public support ahead of future elections.