Public Debate on Teen Voices: Politicians Face High School Students Live!

On July 16, 2025, at 1:30 PM, a significant public debate will take place, featuring 45 high school students engaging directly with politicians regarding youth policies in Japan. This event, titled "[Senate Election Climax] Do Teen Voices Matter? High School Students Challenge Politicians," will be streamed live on the renowned platform Niconico Live Broadcasting, as well as on the official Niconico News YouTube channel and their X account.

The debate aims to address critical themes including youth policy, lowering the voting age, and the relationship between politics and the internet. These discussions are essential, as they reflect the interests and concerns of the younger generation, who have often felt overlooked in political dialogues. The 45 participating students, selected for their high engagement with political and social issues, have been actively working on discussions and will represent the voices of their peers effectively during the debate.

The event will feature notable politicians from various parties who have been involved in youth-related policies. Confirmed participants include Major political figures such as Masajiro Hirayama from the Liberal Democratic Party, So Hayashi from the Constitutional Democratic Party, Shinichi Isa from the Komeito Party, Ryuna Kanemura from the Japan Restoration Party, and several others. This diverse lineup showcases a spectrum of political ideologies and approaches to youth engagement.

Alongside this debate, Niconico will be hosting numerous special programs related to the upcoming Senate election, including online discussions involving major party representatives discussing their policies, and presentation-style events where party leaders present their electoral pledges. By leveraging unique features such as live commenting and polling, Niconico will actively engage viewers, allowing young audience members to intervene and express their views, thereby enabling a more inclusive political discourse.

Event Overview

- Date and Time: July 16, 2025, from 1:30 PM to around 3:30 PM.
- Organizer: Niconico News
- Scheduled Speakers:

- Masajiro Hirayama, Liberal Democratic Party, House of Representatives (Youth Bureau Director)
- So Hayashi, Constitutional Democratic Party, Youth Bureau Deputy Secretary-General
- Shinichi Isa, Komeito Party, Central Executive Committee
- Ryuna Kanemura, Japan Restoration Party, Deputy Secretary-General
- Tomo Iwabuchi, Japanese Communist Party, Deputy Chair of National Diet Affairs Committee
- Hesus Fukasaki, National Democratic Party, Deputy Chair of Policy Research
- Takashi Takai, Reiwa Shinsengumi, Secretary-General
- Rina Yoshikawa, Political Party of Proportional Representation, House of Representatives (Board Member)
- Yuko Otsubaki, Social Democratic Party, Deputy Leader
- Japanese Conservative Party (to be confirmed)

- Moderator: Kentaro Kawabe, Political Advisor of N High Group, President of LINE Yahoo! Japan
- Live Broadcast Links:

- Niconico Live
- Official YouTube
- Official X

This event signifies a crucial intersection where political engagement meets youth activism. By amplifying teenage voices and ensuring their concerns are heard, this debate is not just a discussion; it's a stepping stone towards a future where the younger generation can meaningfully contribute to Japan's democratic processes. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this vibrant exchange of ideas that could shape the policies of tomorrow.