WIT Life #238: Internet use in Japanese elections
Translating/Interpreting, WIT Life, Writers 
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WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Japan will be holding its Upper House elections (for half of the 242 seats) on July 21, and in looking toward this there have been reduced restrictions on Internet use for campaigning purposes. Previously this was not permitted for reasons such as fear of libel and identity theft.
The two separate bills submitted to change this would enable candidates to use blogs and social media such as Facebook and Twitter during the 12-day campaign period for Upper House polls and the 17-day campaign for those of the Lower House. The difference between the two versions is that one allows voters to send out mail on behalf of their favored candidates, whereas the other limits the right to mail solicitation to political parties and candidates.
In accordance with these changes, Japan’s parties have created a variety of tools for constituents to get to know their candidates and interact with them electronically. For example, the LDP is targeting the young smart phone generation with a game called “Abe-pyon” that has the Prime Minister jumping up to higher levels in the sky and ultimately acquiring a superhero cape. The DJP has produced an application that allows users to see a video of a candidate speaking when their smart phones are held up to the candidate’s campaign posters. Your Party is having constituents submit their ideas online and holding a contest surrounding this.
However, experts wonder whether how much of an effect this Internet use will have, particularly in regard to the older generation. In addition, there are still many regulations and more clarification is needed. In the end, some are saying the election will be decided less by Internet use than by how voters weigh in on Abenomics, the economic policies advocated by PM Abe. Some positive results from Abenomics are stock price increases, economic growth and larger bonuses from companies. Less beneficial side effects have included higher prices for goods, an increased fixed interest rate and financial deterioration. It will be interesting to see how events play out over the next two weeks.
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