Translation guide
The cabinet minister responsible for justice affairs in Japan. The official title is 法務大臣 (Hōmu Daijin). In most contexts, the full title or the surname + 法務大臣 is used. The standalone word 法相 (Hōshō) is a common abbreviated form in news.
Minister of Justice
Formal title. Abbreviated as 法相 in news.
Referring to the Minister of Justice in formal or official contexts.
The standard, formal title for the Minister of Justice. Used in official documents, news, and formal speech.
The Minister of Justice held a press conference.
When referring to a specific person, use their surname followed by 法務大臣. ○○ is a placeholder for the surname.
Minister of Justice Yamamoto resigned.
A shorter form commonly used in news headlines or when the context is clear.
Abbreviation of 法務大臣. Very common in news reports. Can be used with a surname: ○○法相.
The Justice Minister expressed a cautious stance on the amendment bill.
Talking about the position or role in a general sense, not necessarily a specific person.
Even in general contexts, the full title is natural. There is no separate generic term.
The Minister of Justice can order executions.
In Japanese, the title comes after the surname: [Surname] + 法務大臣. Do not use 'Minister [Surname]' word order. For example, 'Minister Tanaka' is 田中法務大臣, not 法務大臣田中.
Minister of Justice Tanaka
山本法相が会見で謝罪した。
Justice Minister Yamamoto apologized at the press conference.