Japan will serve as a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council for two years starting in January 2023. It is Japan's first time to be elected to the role in six years and its 12th time overall, more than any other nonpermanent member.
Japan aims to counter Russia's invasion of Ukraine by promoting the "rule of law" and expanding an international coalition against Russia, while also intending to lead discussions on U.N. reforms.
The U.N. Security Council is the most powerful body in the U.N. system. Only 15 out of 193 member states can belong to the council at once. Five permanent members -- the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia -- enjoy the special position of always having seats on the council. They also each hold veto power. The remaining 10 nonpermanent members do not have veto power and their tenure is for two years.
