appoint a Senior Private Secretary to their staff. Outside the Commonwealth Japan A system of the ministerial secretary (秘書官, Hishokan), one to several per minister playing a role similar to the private secretary's, is also employed by the political system in Japan. The seven secretaries appointed to the prime minister are called the executive secretaries to the prime minister (内閣総理大臣秘書官). See also Chief of staff Chef de Cabinet Parliamentary assistant Parliamentary secretary Permanent secretary References Civil Service (United Kingdom) Civil Services of India