Prime Ministers lead the executive branch, heading the Executive Cabinet. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being elected by the Diet members. He must retain the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in the office. The Prime Minister has the power to appoint and dismiss the Ministers of State. The literal translation of the Japanese name for the prime minister office is the Minister for the Comprehensive Administration of the Cabinet or Minister that Presides over the Cabinet. The current prime minister of Japan is Shinzō Abe, who has been in office since 26 December 2012.