Translation guide
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) was a major political party in Japan from 1998 to 2016. This guide covers how to refer to it in Japanese, including its official name, abbreviations, and contextual usage.
To refer to the party by its full official Japanese name.
The standard Japanese name for the Democratic Party of Japan. Used in formal and informal contexts.
民主党は1998年に結成された。
The Democratic Party of Japan was founded in 1998.
Less common full name, sometimes used to distinguish from other countries' Democratic Parties. Not the official Japanese name.
日本民主党は政権交代を実現した。
The Democratic Party of Japan achieved a change of government.
To use a shorter, common abbreviation in conversation or writing.
Common abbreviation for the Democratic Party of Japan, used in news and daily conversation.
民主は次の選挙で敗北した。
The DPJ lost in the next election.
To use the English abbreviation 'DPJ' within Japanese text or speech.
The English abbreviation is sometimes used in Japanese media, especially in international contexts. Pronounced as English letters: ディーピージェイ.
DPJは2009年に政権を取った。
The DPJ took power in 2009.
To refer to the party in a historical context, noting its dissolution or merger.
Means 'the former Democratic Party'. Used when discussing the party after its dissolution in 2016.
旧民主党の議員の多くは立憲民主党に参加した。
Many former DPJ members joined the Constitutional Democratic Party.
In casual conversation or news headlines, 民主 (みんしゅ) is often used instead of the full name. However, in formal writing, 民主党 is preferred.
The current Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (立憲民主党, りっけんみんしゅとう) is a different party formed in 2017, though it includes many former DPJ members. Do not use 民主党 to refer to the current party.