[Kyoto Prefecture] April 5th (Sunday) is Election Day for the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election! Conducted an awareness survey at the entrance ceremonies of Ritsumeikan University, Ryukoku University, etc. The surprising result was 80.76% "Will go".

The Kyoto Prefectural Election Administration Commission, with the voting day for the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election just three days away on April 2nd, conducted a survey in front of entrance ceremony venues targeting new university students in Kyoto Prefecture, asking "Will you vote in the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election or not?" as part of their PR for young people.

395 new university students who cooperated with the survey. Of these, 80.76% answered that they would vote in the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election to be held on April 5th, a figure that significantly exceeds the overall voter turnout rate of 37.58% in the previous Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election in 2022.

◾️ Kyoto University New Students' "Will you go to the Prefectural Governor Election? Or not?" Rate

Among the new students, 319 people (80.76%) answered "I might go," and 76 people (19.24%) answered "I might not go." This result significantly surpasses the overall voter turnout rate of 37.58% in the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election held in 2022.

◾️ Voices from new university students who cooperated with the survey

When asked the reasons for answering "I might go" to the Kyoto Prefectural Governor election, students gave responses such as "It's normal to go," "I haven't researched anything (about the candidates) yet, but I will later...", and "I learned in high school that voting is important." Some students also replied, "I already voted early," showing a high level of awareness regarding the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election.

When asked the reasons for answering "I might not go," students cited concerns such as "I'm unsure about election knowledge," "I have dance plans," "I just moved to Kyoto, so I can't vote even if I want to," and "I'm busy." When informed about the existence of early voting to those who mentioned having plans on election day, they showed surprised reactions.

◾️ Survey Outline

Survey Name: "Will you vote? Or not?" Voting for the Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election 2026

Objective: Survey on voting awareness among new university students in Kyoto Prefecture

Period: Thursday, April 2, 2026, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Location 1: Near Miyako Messe (Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art) in Kyoto City

Location 2: Near Annex Hall, National Kyoto International Conference Center

Target: New university students passing near the above locations 1 and 2 (Ritsumeikan University, Ryukoku University)

Method: Sticker placement on a board (anonymous)

Number of valid responses: 395

Specified Nonprofit Corporation Mielka (Mielka)

NPO founded in 2016 with the theme of "Youth x Politics," operated mainly by students. Recognizing the crisis of declining youth voter turnout and political participation, we convey the message that "social and political issues are 'my issues'" from a youthful perspective and a politically neutral and fair standpoint, primarily targeting the youth generation. We develop various events, projects, and businesses, both large and small, with the aim of reaching and communicating not only to those who are already interested in politics and social issues but also to "those who are not usually very interested."

◾️ Regarding Future Survey PR Events

On April 3rd (Friday) tomorrow, a similar survey PR will be conducted at the entrance ceremony of Kyoto Sangyo University. As it will be held on the university campus, in addition to the survey PR conducted at the two universities mentioned above, we plan to screen CM videos and hold a "Voting Experience Event."

▶︎Schools surveyed: Kyoto Sangyo University

▶︎Survey venue: Inside the university, in front of Kamiyama Hall

▶Survey period: Friday, April 3, 2026, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

◼ Special Website

Kyoto Prefecture is also releasing various content on the internet as an initiative to increase voter turnout. The special website has two pages: "Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election Related Information" and "Easy-to-Understand Elections" for children, consolidating information and content related to elections. "Easy-to-Understand Elections" includes "Children's Polling Station" where you can experience mock voting, as well as content like "What are Local Elections?" and "Coloring Download," allowing both children and adults to learn about elections.

▶︎Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election Special Website

https://www.kyoto-senkyo2026.jp/

▶︎List of Early Voting Locations for the 2026 Kyoto Prefectural Governor Election

https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/senkyo/documents/r8kizitsumae.pdf

《Inquiries from the general public regarding this matter》

Kyoto Prefectural Election Administration Commission Secretariat

Address: Yabunouchi-cho, Shimo-tachiuri-dori, Shinmachi-nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City

TEL: 075-414-4450 (8:30 AM - 5:15 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

FAX: 075-451-5452

URL: http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/senkyo/index.html