Key Facts
• July 2025: Emerging parties like the Sanseito and Democratic Party for the People gained traction.
• Hyogo election results: LDP, Komeito incumbents, and an independent backed by CDP won seats.
• Exit poll: 9,694 respondents surveyed across 30 cities in Hyogo.
• Media preferences by party:
– LDP, CDP: Newspapers most referenced.
– Komeito, Japan Innovation Party: Television most referenced.
– Sanseito, Democratic Party for the People, Reiwa Shinsengumi: Over 70% relied on social media.
• SNS reliance: Sanseito supporters showed over 70% preference for social media, under 10% for newspapers/TV.
• Hyogo governor election (Fall 2024):
– Saito voters: 42% relied on social media, 36% on newspapers/TV.
– Inamura voters: 59% relied on newspapers/TV, 16% on social media.
Summary
The July 2025 Hyogo election highlighted a stark divide in media preferences between supporters of emerging and established political parties. Exit polls revealed that traditional media like newspapers and television were favored by supporters of established parties such as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito. In contrast, emerging parties like the Sanseito and Democratic Party for the People saw their supporters predominantly rely on social media platforms, with over 70% citing them as their primary source of information. This trend was also evident in the 2024 Hyogo governor election, where voters for Governor Saito leaned towards social media, while those for rival Inamura preferred traditional media. The growing reliance on social media among emerging party supporters reflects a shift in voter behavior and media consumption, contributing to the rise of these new political forces.
