#Japan #Tokyo #Kaya Kiyohara #Senate Election #Voter Awareness

Kaya Kiyohara Takes the Spotlight at the Senate Election Awareness Event

On July 17, 2025, the Tokyo Election Management Committee hosted an event aimed at raising awareness about the upcoming Senate elections scheduled for July 20. Held at the Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore, this initiative focused on encouraging voter turnout and promoting the recognition of election day. The event featured actress Kaya Kiyohara, the official campaign character for the Senate elections, who engaged with attendees through a talk session and participation in a mock voting demonstration.

Dressed in a pristine white outfit, Kaya Kiyohara opened the talk session by expressing her mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness about taking on the role. She stated, "It's a great honor, and although I feel very nervous, I want to fulfill this important role to the best of my abilities." Kaya shared her thoughts on early voting based on her experience, noting that she is considering it in light of her schedule for the upcoming elections. During the 2022 Senate elections, approximately one in four eligible voters in Tokyo utilized early voting, highlighting its convenience.

Despite the higher overall voting rate of 56.55% in the 2022 elections, it was revealed that only 40.66% of voters in their twenties had participated. Kaya emphasized the necessity to bridge the gap of understanding regarding elections, especially among younger generations who might feel distanced from the process. "Many people think they don't understand elections, but in this age where information is readily available through social media, it’s beneficial to learn about the process and take that small step toward voting," she articulated, encouraging the audience to engage actively and vote.

Mock Voting Demonstration

The event progressed to an engaging mock voting demonstration, where Kaya participated with visible anticipation. The set included real polling equipment and mock ballots, providing audience members with a realistic voting experience. After successfully casting her mock vote, Kaya passionately addressed the assembly, saying, "July 20 marks the voting day, and every individual is a key player in this election. I urge everyone to pour their thoughts into each vote. If your schedule conflicts with voting day, remember that early voting is an option and you should participate!"

The session concluded on an encouraging note, pushing the importance of voter engagement amongst the audience.

Event Overview

• - Date: July 17, 2025
• - Time: 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
• - Location: Roppongi Tsutaya Bookstore Event Space, 6-11-1 Roppongi Hills, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Featured Guest: Kaya Kiyohara
• - Program: Opening remarks, talk session, promotional activities, photo session

Guest Information

Kaya Kiyohara, born on January 30, 2002, in Osaka, made her acting debut in the NHK television drama ‘Asa ga Kita’ in 2015. She has gained acclaim for her roles in various dramas and films, earning accolades such as the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actress. Her upcoming projects include the film ‘Kataomoi Sekai’ releasing on April 4, 2025, and a TBS drama series titled ‘Hatsukoi DOGs’ starting on July 1, 2025.

Additional Event Details

An additional initiative called the "Voting Pen Selection" will be held from July 7 to July 20 at Tsutaya bookstores, where guests can explore recommended writing tools for voting. Participants will also have access to a unique experiential content called the 'Tameshigaki Sangiinsen.' This offers a creative approach to selecting personal voting pens, helping individuals connect more to the voting process. Furthermore, attendees during these dates will receive a limited-edition, character-themed bookmark pen inspired by 'Meisui-kun,' available to the first 2,000 guests.

For more information about the event, visit Tokyo Election Official Site.