#Japan #Tokyo #Kyocera #Pasona #Digital Voting

Pasona and Kyocera Collaborate for Mock Children's Election

In an innovative move towards engaging the youth in the electoral process, Pasona Inc. has joined forces with Kyocera Corporation to support the upcoming mock election dubbed the "Nakanoko Children's Election." Set to take place on June 7, 2026, this initiative aims to provide children under 18 the opportunity to participate in a simulated voting environment, utilizing Kyocera's electronic voting and counting system known as "Digi-Sen®."

The Role of Pasona

Pasona, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is led by President Shintaro Nakao. The company embarked on a collaboration with Kyocera and JTB Corporation beginning on April 15 of this year, aiming to facilitate the smooth implementation of electronic voting in local elections. For the Nakanoko Children's Election, Pasona will be actively involved in the human resource support for the voting stations, ensuring that children can engage with the digital voting system seamlessly. The support aligns with Pasona’s commitment to fostering political and social awareness among children by creating meaningful experiential opportunities.

The mock election will coincide with the Nakano mayoral election, where seven designated voting sites will be set up in Nakano, Tokyo. At these sites, children will be able to cast mock votes for real candidates, thereby getting a taste of the electoral process. This unique simulation promotes a deeper understanding of local issues, encouraging children to relate their community problems to real-life candidates’ speeches. The event serves as a practical experience to empower youth with knowledge and involvement in the political sphere.

Details of the Nakanoko Children's Election

Implementation Date:

June 7, 2026 (Sunday)

Locations of Voting Stations:

1. Nakano Shiki-no-Mori Park / Nakano, 1-13
2. Ai-Road Plaza / Nakano, 1-22-6, Nakano Aiai Road Shopping Street Central
3. Nakan ZERO Main Building 2F / Nakano, 2-9-7
4. Community Space Omusubi / Nakano, 3-2-4
5. Wakamiya 3-chome Town Association Housekeeping Hall / Nakano, 3-17-3
6. Higashi Nakano Kings Garden / Nakano, 4-2-16
7. LEC Tokyo Legal Mind Nakano School / Nakano, 4-11-10, Urban Net Nakano Building

Purpose and Goals:

The mock election provides a platform for youth to engage with real candidates, fostering a connection with local community challenges. It will allow children to appreciate the significance of their votes, even if they are acting in a simulated environment. This hands-on experience will better equip them for active participation in democracy as they grow older.

Contributions by Each Partner

• - Kyocera: The company provides its registered trademark, "Digi-Sen®," an electronic voting and counting system that has been verified for use under local election regulations. Their technical support and expertise in implementing electronic voting systems ensure the smooth execution of mock elections.
• - Pasona: Leveraging its experience in human resource management, Pasona is committed to facilitating effective operations at the voting and counting sites, ensuring that the children’s voting experience is both insightful and enjoyable.

This collaboration between these organizations aims to establish a robust framework for future elections, particularly with the unified local elections anticipated in 2027. Pasona, Kyocera, and JTB’s partnership represents a significant step in modernizing the electoral process and setting a precedent for future youth engagement in democracy.

As the world continues to move towards digitalization, the integration of technology into the voting process represents not just a logistical advancement but also an opportunity to educate and involve younger generations in civic responsibilities.

For more details about this initiative, visit Nakanoko Children's Election.

Conclusion

The Nakanoko Children’s Election is more than just a mock voting event; it’s a significant step in cultivating a politically informed youth. By engaging children in the electoral process, events like this help prepare them for future participation in democracy, providing them with the necessary tools to understand and influence their communities.