Japan to Change English Name of House of Councillors to “Senate” from Oct.

Japan has decided to change the English name of its House of Councillors to “Senate” starting in October. The move follows a recommendation by the chamber’s steering committee, which said the current wording can confuse foreign readers because “councillors” may refer to city or local council members. In line with the change, members of Japan’s upper house will be called “senators” in English. The reform is intended to better match the naming used for upper chambers in many other countries.