Key Facts
• July 20 marks the voting day for the House of Councillors election.
• ‘Vote Discounts’ offer benefits like free hot dogs and up to 30% off at stores.
• Tokyo’s SUNNY HOP provides free hot dogs with proof of voting until July 21.
• Discounts at Kikuyabun Stationery in Tokyo vary based on Setagaya Ward’s voter turnout:
– Below 50%: 10% off
– 50%-65%: 20% off
– Above 65%: 30% off
• ‘Vote Discounts’ have grown to include 2,500 businesses since 2012.
• Aomori Prefecture uses an AI-composed song, “My Choice,” to encourage youth voting.
• Aomori’s youth voter turnout in 2024 was below the national average:
– Teens: 34.46% (national: 39.43%)
– 20s: 27.45% (national: 34.62%)
• The election coincides with the first-ever mid-holiday of a three-day weekend, raising concerns about low turnout.
Summary
Ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election, ‘Vote Discounts’ are gaining attention as a strategy to boost voter turnout. These incentives, available at 2,500 businesses, include free hot dogs at SUNNY HOP in Tokyo and tiered discounts at Kikuyabun Stationery based on voter turnout. Aomori Prefecture, where youth voter turnout lags behind the national average, introduced an AI-composed song to inspire young voters. With the election falling on the middle day of a three-day weekend, concerns about low turnout persist.
