Key Facts
• The 2025 House of Councillors election voting day falls in the middle of a 3-day weekend.
• Early voting in Fukuoka Prefecture reached 445,000 by July 13, 70,000 more than in 2022.
• The 2022 voter turnout in Fukuoka was 49%, with 70s at 63% and 10s-20s at 30%.
• Kyushu University Professor Minoru Minamino warns low youth turnout reduces their political influence.
• Students created 10 election awareness videos on platforms like YouTube and X.
• A website matching voters to parties via 15 questions was used by nearly 1 million in 2022.
• 7 out of 10 young people in Fukuoka City’s Tenjin area plan to vote this year.
• Rising costs and social media discussions are driving increased youth interest in voting.
Summary
The 2025 House of Councillors election, held during a 3-day weekend, has seen a rise in early voting, particularly among young voters in Fukuoka Prefecture. Early voting numbers are up by 70,000 compared to 2022, signaling a potential shift in youth engagement. Despite historically low turnout rates among 10s and 20s, efforts like student-created awareness videos and a voter-party matching website are helping to lower barriers. Kyushu University’s Professor Minoru Minamino emphasizes the importance of youth participation to influence political decisions. Social media platforms and economic concerns, such as inflation, are also motivating young voters. This election could mark a turning point in youth political involvement, potentially impacting overall voter turnout and election results.
