Japan electionJapan parliamentary race hits record low for candidates under 40
Diversity in politics remains elusive under system that favors old guard
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida dissolved the lower house on Oct. 14, paving the way for the upcoming national election. Of 1,051 registered candidates, 99 are in their 20s and 30s. © AP
Nikkei staff writers
October 20, 2021 06:03 JST
TOKYO -- Candidates in their 20s and 30s make up 9.4% and women less than 20% of those running in Japan's lower house election on Oct. 31, highlighting the country's continued struggles with incorporating new and more diverse viewpoints into its politics.