It is responsible for the judicial system, correctional services, and household, property and corporate registrations, and immigration control.

At the top of the ministry is the Minister of Justice, a member of the Cabinet, who is chosen by the Prime Minister from among members of the National Diet.

It acquired its present name under the post-war Constitution of Japan in 1952.

It represents the Japanese government in litigation, and is also responsible for maintaining the official registers of households, resident aliens, real estate and corporations.

The Ministry of Justice is organized in seven bureaus:[2] The MOJ has jurisdiction over the National Bar Examination Commission, the Public Security Examination Commission, and the Public Security Intelligence Agency.