Learning Beyond Borders: Why working with overseas organizations matters in civic education

53.85％

  This figure represents the voter turnout for the 50th House of Representatives general election held in October 2024. Among the age groups, the voting rates were 39.43% for those in their teens and 34.62% for those in their twenties, with these two generations ranking as the worst two across all age groups. (From the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan)

Japanese Low political participation among young people in Japan

　As shown above, political participation in Japan is extremely low, especially among young people. In the Democracy Index published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Japan was ranked 16th in the 2024 edition. While five indicators make up the final index, Japan's score is notably low in the Political Participation category. When the ranking is reorganized to focus solely on the Political Participation category, Japan is surpassed by 39 countries. 

　One reason for this is low political self-efficacy. According to the survey of Nippon Foundation survey、 Japan ranks lowest (45%) among six countries (*) in the percentage of young people who believe “I can change society.” 

In Japan, civic education for young people is an issue that must be addressed urgently.

*Six countries: Japan, USA, UK, China, South Korea, India (Nippon Foundation survey)

What we're working on as Shokasonjuku Co., Ltd.

　As a company dedicated to citizen education, we are involved in various projects that empower young people to feel they can make a positive impact on society. 

　Our main activities include high school student reverse mentor(*), providing on-site programs, advocacy, and media management. To date, we have implemented projects that help youth develop an interest in politics while having fun, empowering them to make a positive impact on society. 

＊What is a “high school reverse mentor”?

A program where high school students serve as “reverse mentors” to local government leaders and make policy proposals, which is one of our core initiatives.

This directly conveys the voices of young people to politics and provides fresh perspectives for improving society. The ultimate goal is not merely to have proposals heard, but to aim for actual budgeting and implementation, driving social change.

For further development… The importance of exchanges with other countries

　Therefore, the new initiative we wish to promote is international exchange.

　As mentioned above, Japan lags significantly behind other countries and regions with democratic systems in terms of political participation. To foster more politically active youth in Japan, it is crucial to learn from other societies with high levels of political engagement and interest. By studying model projects and experiences from other regions, we can improve and develop civic education initiatives in Japan. Of course, we won't just be learning. By sharing phenomena unique to Japan's context and our own success stories, we can foster meaningful exchanges that are filled with mutual learning and discovery.

　As the first step in international exchange, on November 28, 2025, we held an exchange meeting with the Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy, marking our company's first overseas exchange. Participants included high school reverse mentors and our staff from Japan, alongside a youth delegation from Taiwan. 

　After both parties shared their activities and success stories in their respective countries, participants broke into small groups for discussions. The differences between reverse mentoring programs in Japan and Taiwan, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, were shared, making for a very interesting exchange. 

　As one participant said, "I learned about the differences in how Taiwan and Japan approach politics, gaining experiences I couldn't have had by interacting only with Japanese people. It made me feel like I want to aim even higher." It appears that interaction with overseas organizations is crucial for gaining a broader perspective.

　We deeply appreciate the exchange with this inspection delegation and will continue to cherish the ties between Taiwan and Japan! To further develop citizenship education in Japan, we will continue to foster exchanges with other foreign organizations.