In a country with a significantly aging population and low voting rates among the youth, the Japan Youth Council (JYC) plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of the youth in Japanese society and political arena. Since its foundation in 2015, the JYC addresses the challenges young people face in expressing their opinions and uniting for common causes due to their limited presence in special interest groups. Inspired by youth parliaments and councils in Europe and other regions, the JYC serves as a platform for youth organizations and individuals to directly communicate their perspectives to political parties and government bodies.
The JYC operates through six working groups focusing on diverse topics, including gender equality, environmental sustainability, and youth participation in democracy. We draft and submit policy proposals to relevant political stakeholders and actively monitor their progress. Additionally, we organize numerous events that facilitate political engagement and education for young people in Japan.
What have we done?
We’ve done lots, but here are some highlights!
1:Promoting Democracy and Children’s Rights Within Schools
In Japan, student’s voices are not valued in schools, and obeying the teacher is seen as natural. However, that is not a school environment where students can learn and practice democracy. For example, our survey found that about half of the students feel like their voices are not taken seriously by teachers. Therefore, the JYC advocated for regulations and programs that make schools value children’s human rights, and promote democracy within schools, resulting in the government’s policies to improve gradually.
Members of the JYC submitting our proposal to the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
2:The Basic Act on Children’s Policy
Although Japan ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994, domestic laws have not been established and children’s rights have been neglected. Therefore, the JYC launched a campaign with other civic groups and succeeded in passing the Basic Act on Children, which guarantees children’s rights. Since then, the voices of children and young people have been listened to in various policy discussions, and Japanese society is starting to change little by little.
Our members submitting our proposal to a legislator from the Liberal Democratic Party.
3:Campaign to Stop the Chikan Problem
Sexual assault in public spaces (especially within trains), known as “chikan,” is a form of violence that too many people, especially young girls, have experienced in Japan for far too long. A survey conducted by the Tokyo government found that 45% of women and 9% of men have experienced chikan before.The JYC came up with ten specific proposals to solve this problem, and started a campaign that called for serious measures to be taken against chikan. In 2023, the government created a “package for eradicating chikan,” which included most of our proposals including spreading awareness, conducting research, and strengthening treatment programs for perpetrators.
Press conference of when we launched the campaign
Members of JYC submitting our proposals and gathered signatures to the chief of the Gender Equality Bureau
4:Advocating for the Participation of the Youth in Climate Change Policies
2024 is an important year for climate change because the Japanese government is going to submit its Basic Energy Plan for the 2040s and its NDC, which determines the decrease in Japan’s green house gas emissions. These are important milestones, but the youth are not involved in the decision making process in a meaningful way, with the majority of expert council members being in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Therefore, the JYC collaborated with other youth environment groups and started a campaign to urge the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy to include at least two youths from climate change groups to become a member of their councils to discuss the Basic Energy Plan. Although this demand has not been granted yet, the JYC has been requested to present at the expert council, which is an unprecedented breakthrough!
Members of JYC submitting our proposal and signature to the Vice Minister of Environment
Members of JYC at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry with other youth climate groups to exchange opinions
TheYouth Democracy Festival
Democracy Festivals held in Nordic countries such as Sweden’s “Almedalen Week” and Denmark’s “Folkemødet” brings together politicians, journalists, and citizens for discussions mixed with music and casual socializing. These festivals contribute to high voter turnout, as they make politics accessible and relatable.
In contrast, Japan lacks similar opportunities for informal political discussions and interactions with politicians, making politics seem distant and less understood. To bridge this gap, the JYC hosted the “Youth Democracy Festival” in Tokyo in March of 2023, featuring discussions, political party booths, workshops, and a lively atmosphere with music and food.
Following the success of the first festival, the Youth Democracy Festival was held again in Tokyo in March 2024, and two more Youth Democracy Festivals are planned to be held in different locations in Japan.
Booths of Political Parties
Panel discussion by officers of Nordic Embassies in Japan
Our Interanational Agenda
To combat with the rising threat to democracy, climate, and peace, people who care about the current generation and future generations must work together to solve these problems. In our global campaign, we aim to create a network of these youth around the world, to create a platform for collaboration!
👇Here are our 3 steps planned so far👇
1st STEP: Gathering Allies
We are currently building our network of youth around the world. We are contacting youth parliaments, councils, and other groups around the world including Sweden, Germany, England, Korea, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States. We are looking for groups in South America and in Africa as well. Let us know if you want to join or know of any potential allies!
2nd STEP: Launching a Global Campaign
Once our network is created, we will deliberate on what we can collaborate on, and cement the specifics of our global advocacy campaign. For example, a global “vote at 16, run at 18” campaign to promote youth participation in decision making.
3rd STEP: International Democracy Summit
We are aiming to host an International Democracy Summit in Japan in August, 2025! We will invite everyone in the network to join, share their ideas and progress on the campaign, and discuss about our current and future issues.