President of Japan (Cherry, Plum, and Chrysanthemum)

The President of the Republic of Japan (Japanese: 民國總裁 Minkoku Sōsai) is the head of state of Japan. This office was created in 1920 by the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Japan.

The official office and residence of the President of the Republic of Japan is formally called as the Presidential Office (民國總裁公邸 Minkoku Sōsai Kōtei), located on Shirokanedai, Minato, Tokyo, the national capital of Japan. The office is usually referred as the Teien (庭園), means 'garden' in Japanese because the office building is surrounded by a garden and sculptures.

Duties and functions
The President of the Republic was elected by the National Congress for four years terms. According to 1920 Constitution, the office of President is the head of state of Republic, and the nominal commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President of the Republic also responsible for conducting foreign relations, such as concluding treaties, declaring war, and making peace. The President has no right to veto any Congress decisions. Other powers of the President include granting amnesty, pardon or clemency, declaring martial law, and conferring honors and decorations.

Prior the World War II, the Constitution does not clearly define the office of President is the powerful position in the country. But, the multiple position of President Nagayama both in the government and in the party, made this office quite powerful and the Council of Ministers must solely responsible to President. Only after the 1946 amendment, the power of President its slightly reduced to less powerful than before. The President's powers only can effective by the concern of the Congress (and the Legislative Council) and the support from the Party which dominated the Congress.

List of Presidents of the Republic of Japan

 * 1) Nagayama Yoshida (19 February 1920 – 17 March 1948)
 * 2) Ozaki Yukio (17 March 1948 – 4 October 1954)
 * 3) Mizunari Kazama (7 October 1954 – 6 January 1972)
 * 4) Tatsumoto Kimura (6 January 1972 – 9 January 1988)
 * 5) Miyamoto Kenji (9 January 1988 – 3 January 2000)
 * 6) Murayama Tomiichi (3 January 2000 – 6 January 2008)
 * 7) Kumazawa Yoshino (6 January 2008 – now)