Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications

Quick Facts: Who was Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications?

Subject:

Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications

Known for:

Japan's cabinet-level ministry overseeing administration, communications, and local governance.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (総務省, Sōmu-shō; lit. 'Ministry of General Affairs'; MIC) is a cabinet-level ministry in the Government of Japan. Its English name was Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT) prior to 2004.

Career & Major Achievements

It is housed in the 2nd Building of the Central Common Government Office at 2-1-2 Kasumigaseki in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. The Ministry oversees the Japanese administrative system, manages local governments, elections, telecommunication, post, and governmental statistics. The Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications (総務大臣, Sōmu Daijin) is appointed from among the members of the cabinet.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Ministry was created on January 6, 2001, by the merger of the Ministry of Home Affairs (自治省), the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (郵政省; MPT) and the Management and Coordination Agency (総務庁). Certain functions of the Management and Coordination Agency were transferred to the Cabinet Office in this process, while many functions of the MPT were transferred to an independent Postal Services Agency which later became Japan Post.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2001: 2001 Milestone — The Ministry was created on January 6, 2001, by the merger of the Ministry of Home Affairs (自治省), the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (郵政省; MPT) and the Management and Coordination Agency (総務庁).
2. 2004: 2004 Milestone — Its English name was Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications (MPHPT) prior to 2004.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications

True or False: “Did the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) exist in its current form before 2001?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The ministry was formally created on January 6, 2001, through a merger involving several predecessor bodies.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications