deputy prime minister; vice prime minister
Official title for the second-highest executive in a parliamentary cabinet system. In Japan, this is a cabinet post that may be held concurrently with another ministerial portfolio.
The Deputy Prime Minister concurrently serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The Deputy Prime Minister attended the meeting on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Short for 総理大臣 (Prime Minister). 副総理 is the deputy to this position.
Compound of 副 (vice-, deputy) and 総理 (prime minister, premier).