Key Facts
• The 27th House of Councillors election is a pivotal ‘government selection election.’
• Japan’s voter turnout in the 2024 general election was 53.85%, the third-lowest post-war.
• Nishimera Village in Miyazaki Prefecture achieved an 87.96% voter turnout in the last general election.
• The village’s turnout for the 2022 House of Councillors election was 88.15%.
• Nishimera’s population is approximately 1,000, located 1.5 hours from Miyazaki City.
• Local government uses free information devices to encourage voting twice daily during elections.
• Early voting is promoted through personalized guidance.
• Residents believe voting is essential to have a voice in politics.
• A 70-year-old resident noted voting has become a community norm, almost competitive.
• Younger generations, including middle school students, express interest in voting.
• A 30-year-old returnee from Fukuoka found elections more relevant after moving back.
• A middle school student emphasized voting’s role in shaping Japan’s future.
Summary
Nishimera Village in Miyazaki Prefecture stands out with Japan’s highest voter turnout, exceeding 87% in recent elections. This small, rural community fosters a culture where voting is considered a fundamental duty, instilled from childhood. Local initiatives, such as free information devices and personalized early voting guidance, contribute to this remarkable participation. Residents view voting as a prerequisite for voicing political opinions, with some describing it as a community-wide norm. Younger generations are also engaged, with middle school students expressing a desire to vote and shape the nation’s future. In contrast to Japan’s declining national voter turnout, Nishimera’s commitment to political participation offers a model for revitalizing democratic engagement.
