Privy Council of the Empire of Japan

The was an advisory council to the Emperor of Japan that operated from 1888 to 1947. It was largely used to limit the power of the Imperial Diet. Functions Modeled in part upon the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, this body advised the Japanese Empire on matters including, but not limited to: Proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Empire of Japan Proposed amendments to the 1889 Imperial Household Law Matters of constitutional interpretation, proposed laws, and ordinances Proclamations of martial law or declaration of war Treaties and other international agreements Matters concerning the succession to the throne Declarations of a regency under the Imperial Household Law; Matters submitted by the Emperor directly The Privy Council had both judicial functions and certain executive functions. However, the council had no power to initiate legislation. Establishment To oversee new governmental developments, in 1871, three councils were created - the Council of the Left, Centre, and Right, who would be collectively known as the Council of the Elders (genrō in). The Elders oversaw the writing of the Meiji Constitution, and would become councilors in the Privy Council.