2025 LDP Presidential Candidates to Discuss the Future with Students Live

A Unique Debate on the Future of Japan

In an innovative initiative aimed at bridging the gap between political candidates and the younger generation, Dwango Co., Ltd. has announced a live discussion featuring all candidates vying for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Scheduled for September 28, 2025, this special event will put candidates face-to-face with approximately 30 high school students from schools operated by Kadokawa Dwango Academy.

The debate will be broadcast live on Niconico Live Streaming, as well as on the official YouTube channel of Niconico News and its official X (formerly Twitter) account. This event is set to commence at 19:00 JST and will last for one hour, providing ample time for engaging discussions about Japan's future.

Event Details

This forum is structured to encourage an open dialogue on various topics relevant to students’ everyday lives and future aspirations. Participants will include notable candidates such as Takanobu Kobayashi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Sanae Takaichi, and Shinjiro Koizumi. The event will be moderated by Takeshi Natsuno, a distinguished professor at Kinki University’s Institute of Information Science.

The participating students are enrolled in high schools and middle schools that belong to the Kadokawa Dwango Academy, which includes N High School, S High School, R High School, and the N Junior High School. By incorporating perspectives from students both in-person at the venue and those joining online, the debate aims to explore not only policy issues but also the candidates' values and their approach to engaging with youth concerns.

Fostering Understanding

By discussing topics such as education, climate change, and economic opportunities, the candidates will be prompted to articulate their vision for the future of Japan. This format not only allows students to voice their concerns in a supportive environment but also gives the candidates a chance to demonstrate their commitment to listening to younger voters.

The event’s aim is twofold: to inform candidates about the pressing issues students care about and to provide a platform for students to critically engage with political discourse.

Tune In Live

The debate will be streamed live, ensuring that anyone interested can join the conversation and witness firsthand how the next generation’s hopes and inquiries are addressed by political leaders. The live stream can be accessed through the following links:

This event marks a significant step toward enhancing political engagement among youth in Japan, encouraging them to participate actively in the democratic process and shaping the nation’s future.