召集

• Reading: しょうしゅう
• Romaji: shōshū
• Kanji breakdown: 召 (shō) — summon; 集 (shū) — gather, assemble
• Pronunciation: /ɕoː.ɕɯː/

Meaning

Convocation; summoning; calling together. The formal act of convening the National Diet or assembling a group under official authority.

A suru-verb and noun, 召集 is the constitutional term for convening the National Diet (国会を召集する). The constitution grants the Cabinet the power of convocation. Also used historically for military conscription (召集令状 — draft notice). Distinguished from 招集, which is used in non-imperial/non-governmental contexts.

Examples

1. 内閣は臨時国会の召集を決定した。 The Cabinet decided to convene an extraordinary session of the Diet.
2. 天皇が国会の召集を告示した。 The Emperor announced the convocation of the Diet.
3. 予算委員会の召集が急遽決まり、議員たちは急いで国会に戻った。 The convocation of the Budget Committee was decided at short notice, and lawmakers hurried back to the Diet.

Usage Guide

Context: parliamentary procedure, constitutional law, news

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 召 (shou) meaning 'to summon, especially by an authority' and 集 (shuu) meaning 'to gather.' The compound implies a formal, authoritative summons.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Political class