This has nothing to do with tourism in Japan, but I just wanted to introduce how Japan is trying to encourage kids to take interest in elections;
Japan is known for it’s political apathy, and here are several factors why that happens:
- Lack of Trust – Long-term one-party dominance and frequent political scandals have led to a sense of hopelessness: “Nothing will change.”
- Distance from Politics – Politics feels complicated and irrelevant to everyday life for many.
- Education Gap – Schools often avoid discussing politics to remain “neutral,” so students rarely learn how it affects them personally.
- Cultural Norms – People avoid political talk to maintain social harmony and avoid conflict.
- Youth Disillusionment – Young people feel their voices don’t matter in a system that favors older generations.
However, this is slowly changing—thanks to social media, more young people are beginning to see politics as part of their daily lives.
In Japan, voter turnout has been declining in recent years, and many local governments are taking creative steps to raise awareness — not just among adults, but also children.
In my local community, there’s a lovely custom during election days: when parents bring their children to the polling station, the staff gives out fun stickers to the kids. It may seem like a small gesture, but it made a big difference for our family.
The first time I brought my child with me to vote, they were thrilled to receive a sticker. Later, while watching TV, they saw a campaign broadcast and curiously asked, “What’s this?” Because of the sticker, I was able to explain “Do you remember where you got that sticker? That’s the place where everyone goes to choose the leader of our country. You’ll be able to vote on your own once you turn eighteen.” That simple sticker opened up a conversation about democracy.
Some other municipalities are trying unique approaches too. For instance, Osaka has created manga-style posters to explain the voting process to younger generations. And certain areas offer mock voting experiences at schools, so students can learn what it’s like before they turn 18.
It’s a small initiative, but I believe it helps create a positive memory around voting — planting the seed that elections are important and something to look forward to. In a country where voter apathy is a concern, I think this kind of approach is a step in the right direction.
If you’re interested in how Japanese education nurtures children’s curiosity and learning habits, be sure to check out our article on Kumon’s educational toys. These tools help kids develop important skills through fun and engaging play!
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