請願

• Reading: せいがん
• Romaji: seigan
• Kanji breakdown: 請 (sei) — request, petition; 願 (gan) — wish, desire
• Pronunciation: /se.i.ɡa.ɴ/

Meaning

Petition; appeal; request. A formal written request submitted by citizens to a government body seeking a specific action or remedy.

The right to petition (請願権) is guaranteed under Article 16 of Japan's constitution. Citizens, corporations, and organisations may submit 請願書 (petitions) to the Diet, local assemblies, or government agencies. In parliamentary procedure, submitted petitions are reviewed by committee before being acted upon or dismissed.

Examples

1. 住民たちは道路改修を求める請願書を市議会に提出した。 Residents submitted a petition to the city council requesting road repairs.
2. 憲法は何人も請願する権利を有することを保障している。 The constitution guarantees that all persons have the right to petition.
3. 署名が三万筆集まり、請願が正式に国会に受理された。 Thirty thousand signatures were collected, and the petition was formally accepted by the Diet.

Usage Guide

Context: civic rights, parliamentary procedure, local government

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 請 (sei) meaning 'to request or petition' and 願 (gan) meaning 'wish or desire.' Together they express a formal appeal directed at an authority.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal