In the Japanese Political System, the House of Councillors is the upper house of the Japanese Diet, and is composed of 242 members. The term of office for the elected members of the upper house is six years. The House of Representatives is the lower house, with 480 members. The term of office for the lower house is four years. Citizens of Japan, age twenty and older, may take part in the election process on the basis of universal adult suffrage. The minimum age for members of the House of Representatives is twenty five; thirty years for the House of Councillors.