ABSTRACT
THE WORD “CABINET” is nowhere found in the Constitution. Yet there exists, as a matter of fact, a collective body composed of departmental ministers under the presidency of a minister president for the purpose of initiating, directing, and carrying out the general policies of the government and to serve as the channel through which the imperial prerogative over general affairs is placed in operation.1 Established in 1885,2 the cabinet has been the directing and guiding force in government, ensuring unity and harmony in administration.3 An attempt is made in this chapter to inquire into the structure, functions, and operation of this deliberative body, to ascertain its exact position in the constitutional system of Japan, a thorough understanding of which is indispensable to our inquiry into the conduct of foreign relations.
