Organization
Plenary Sitting
Generally, plenary sittings of the House of Councillors are held at 10 a.m. on Monday Wednesday, and Friday when the Diet is in session.
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Standing Committees
There is a standing committee corresponding to each of the government ministries; the main purpose of the standing committees is to deliberate over legislative and other proposals. Each house member sits on at least one standing committee.
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Special Committees
Special committees are formed as needed to examine specific issues or proposed laws.
Research Committees
Research committees are a unique feature of the House of Councillors. They meet to carry out long-term, comprehensive studies of particular issues and to propose legislation.
Deliberative Council on Political Ethics
The Deliberative Council on Political Ethics was formed to establish ethical standards for house members and to decide in specific cases whether a member has violated the rules of conduct that house members are expected to follow.
Secretariat and Legislative Bureau
The Secretariat and Legislative Bureau assist in the duties of the House of Councillors. Support staff who aid the house committee members in their research belong to the Secretariat.
