Whenever a Diet session convenes, the Emperor gives a short speech at the House of Councilors' opening ceremony -- a tradition that should demonstrate the chamber's status.
But political leaders are once again calling into question this time-honored tradition, as well as the reason for the continued existence of the Upper House, which is often viewed as a watchdog of the powerful House of Representatives.
Last month, Naoto Kan, leader of the Democratic Party of Japan, urged the introduction of a one-chamber legislature.