Key Facts
• July 20: Upper House election voting day in Japan.
• Over 50 businesses in Okinawa participate in “Election Discounts” initiative.
• “Election Discounts” offer free items or discounts to voters.
• Project “Rikka! Vote” aims to increase voter turnout.
• “Rikka” means “Let’s go” in Okinawan dialect.
• Initiative started by 30-something volunteers concerned about low voter turnout.
• Businesses include restaurants, massage parlors, beauty salons, and hotels.
• Example: Café “Rotton” offers $6.80 chicken rice for $0.07 to voters.
• “Rikka! Vote” uses Instagram (@riccatohyo) to promote participating stores.
• First-time participants report increased customer engagement and positive feedback.
Summary
In Okinawa, over 50 businesses are participating in the “Election Discounts” initiative to encourage voter turnout for the July 20 Upper House election. Organized by the “Rikka! Vote” project, the campaign offers discounts and free items to those who have voted. The project, led by volunteers in their 30s, aims to address declining voter participation. Participating businesses range from restaurants to beauty salons, with some offering significant discounts, such as Café “Rotton,” which provides $6.80 meals for just $0.07 to voters. The initiative has gained traction through social media and word of mouth, with organizers hoping to make voting and visiting participating stores a routine activity. For more information, voters can check the “Rikka! Vote” Instagram account (@riccatohyo).
