Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings
In Japan, elections are conducted at both national and local levels, in adherence to constitutional mandates that ensure the democratic selection of leaders. The Constitution of Japan stipulates the direct election of governors and mayors, heads respectively of prefectures and municipalities (the cities, towns and villages), underscoring the decentralisation of power and the importance of grassroots representation, stipulated by the Local Autonomy Law enacted in 1947.
The Constitution, which came into effect in 1947, addresses the structure and functions of local government in several articles with provisions establishing the principle of local autonomy, affirming the importance of the local autonomy of both citizens and governance entities at the local level and emphasising the role of legislation in defining the organisation and operation of local governments, ensuring that they operate within the framework of democratic governance.
Other provisions underscore the importance of local assemblies in the decision-making process at the local level, highlighting the democratic principles of representation and participation, this is a constitutional basis for the establishment and functioning of local governments, ensuring that they have the necessary autonomy and decentralised authority to serve the interests of their communities.
Implementing Bodies
Ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections requires the involvement of various administrative bodies. In Japan, national elections are overseen by several entities. The Central Control Commission administers proportional representation elections, comprising five members nominated by Parliament and officially appointed by the Prime Minister. Prefectural electoral commissions manage the logistical aspects of national elections, with members elected by the prefectural assembly. Similarly, municipal election commissions oversee the casting and counting of votes, with members appointed by municipal councils.
Crucially, the neutrality and impartiality of elections in Japan are safeguarded by prefectural and municipal election management committees, independent collegiate bodies responsible for overseeing the electoral process. These committees, staffed by experienced local officials, ensure that elections are conducted by constitutional principles and democratic norms.
Comparative Insights: Japan and the UK
While Japan and the UK share a commitment to democratic governance, their electoral systems and processes exhibit notable differences. In the UK, local elections, despite recent changes such as city region mayors, are mostly characterised by a party system with the majority party controlling the council and deciding the leader of the council. In Japan, all the prefectures and the municipalities uniformly use a directly elected chief executive (governor of prefecture or mayor of municipality), and an elected assembly where assembly members perform a scrutiny role as well as holding powers to propose and abolish local bylaws.
Despite these variances, both Japan and the UK exemplify the principles of democratic accountability and civic participation through their electoral practices. Whether at the national or local level, elections serve as a cornerstone of democratic governance, reflecting the diverse voices and aspirations of the populace. At the local level, in comparison to the UK, governors and mayors may have considerable power, which may have ramifications for national projects, as seen with the issue of high-speed rail, a recent topic of much debate in both countries. The construction of the maglev Linear Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya is underway, except in Shizuoka Prefecture, which has seen a pause in progress due to environmental and water resource concerns. Although the railway company is responsible for building the train, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is pushing for early completion and has promoted dialogue between Shizuoka Prefecture and the railway company. However, Shizuoka for now remains unconvinced.
From a British viewpoint, the Governor of Shizuoka appears to wield substantial power and influence, possessing the authority to effect a pause in the construction under legal frameworks, legitimised by being directly elected. Nonetheless, questions about the governor’s democratic legitimacy to exercise this power effectively have been raised. Understanding the constitutional status of Japan’s prefectural governors and municipal mayors is crucial for grasping the nuances of local governance in Japan.
This democratic legitimacy is further complicated by public apathy becoming more and more entrenched, and turnout for Japan’s 2023 local elections, saw towns, villages, and cities record low voter turnout. Municipalities that year saw mayoral election turnout at 47.28%, and councillor elections at 43.92%. Gubernatorial contests were at 46.78%, and prefectural assembly members elections were at 41.85. There has been an annual steady decline in voting from a high of 82.58% for governor election and 82.99 for assembly members in 1951. (MIC: https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000938531.pdf).
There are significant efforts underway to engage particularly young voters who have become increasingly apathetic towards politics. Activists are using innovative strategies to encourage youth participation. These efforts include leveraging social media, creating voter matching apps, and producing advocacy-themed clothing to make political engagement more accessible and appealing. One underlying issue causing this disconnect is a lack of representation for women in politics. Legislators face challenges in the upcoming elections, further highlighting the need for youth involvement to address generational concerns such as climate change, university fees, and gender equality.
Understanding the intricacies of elections in Japan provides valuable insights into the dynamics of democratic governance, offering comparative perspectives that enrich our understanding of electoral systems worldwide. As Japan and the UK navigate the complexities of contemporary politics, their electoral processes remain fundamental to democratic legitimacy and civic engagement.
Akira Matsutani, Director-General
Keith Kelly, Head of PR and Communications
Japan Local Government Centre, London
