Upcoming Internet Leaders Debate for Japan's 2026 House of Representatives Election

As Japan gears up for the 51st House of Representatives election, a significant event is set to take place on January 24, 2026. Ten prominent party leaders will come together for a unique online debate focused on critical themes such as Japan's growth strategy and foreign security policy. This event, titled the "Internet Leaders Debate," will be broadcast live through the popular streaming service Niconico, ensuring that citizens have direct access to the discussions shaping the country's future.

Event Details

The debate will commence at 18:00 and conclude at 19:15 (JST), providing a platform for leaders to express their ideas and policies to a broad audience. In this live setting, attendees will not only hear from established political figures but also witness the lively interaction between these leaders and active high school students who will pose questions on pressing national issues. This approach aims to engage a younger demographic and foster interest in political discourse among Japan's youth.

Participating Leaders

Attending this highly anticipated event are notable figures such as:

- Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party
- Yoshihiko Noda, Co-Representative of the Centrist Reform League
- Fumitake Fujita, Co-Representative of the Japan Innovation Party
- Yuichiro Tamaki, Leader of the Democratic Party for the People
- Munehiro Kamiya, Representative of the Reiwa Shinsengumi
- Tomoko Tamura, Chair of the Japanese Communist Party
- Akiko Oishi, Co-Representative of the New Opposition Party
- Naoki Hyakuta, President of the Japanese Conservative Party
- Mizuho Fukushima, Leader of the Social Democratic Party
- Takahiro Anno, Leader of the Team Mirai

Moderating this event will be Kentaro Kawabe, a political advisor from N High School Group, alongside freelance announcer Noriko Baba, who will ensure that the debate runs smoothly and effectively.

The debate will allow each leader to highlight their party's stances on the core issues facing Japan, particularly focusing on development strategies and diplomatic security matters. This format will enable voters from all walks of life to gain insight into the various political perspectives and facilitate a well-informed electorate ahead of the February voting.

How to Participate

To maximize audience engagement, questions from viewers are now being collected. Interested individuals can submit their inquiries to the leaders via the dedicated question submission form. This interactive component not only enhances the debate experience but also creates a bridge between the public and political leaders, allowing for a more inclusive discussion.

As the elections draw near, awareness of this event is critical for generating public interest and participation in Japan’s democratic processes. Mark your calendars for January 24, and join via the following links to watch live:

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness the crucial debates that could shape the next chapter of Japan's political landscape.