Held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at YOSHIMOTO ROPPONGI THEATER: 'Youth Forum 2025: Let's Go Vote! Everyone's Future Discussion SHOW!'

An archive video of the 'Youth Forum 2025: Let's Go Vote! Everyone's Future Discussion SHOW!', held in February and organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in collaboration with Yoshimoto Kogyo, has been released on the 'Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Video Channel' on YouTube.

This event took place on Wednesday, February 18, at the YOSHIMOTO ROPPONGI THEATER with the goal of increasing interest in politics and elections among young people, raising awareness about the importance of voting, and encouraging proactive voting behavior. Takashi Yoshimura (Heisei Nobushi Kobushi) served as the MC, while Shinji Mizuta, Kei Yamazaki (Aiseki Start), Toru Dozono (Long Coat Daddy), and Miho Fukudome appeared as 'party leaders' to debate policies for a brighter Japan. Special guest Taketo Goto from the global boy group 'INI' also took the stage.

'Youth Forum 2025: Let's Go Vote! Everyone's Future Discussion SHOW!' Official Report

INI's Goto and Comedians Learn About 'Elections' in a Fun Way!

When MC Takashi Yoshimura (Heisei Nobushi Kobushi) introduced special guest Taketo Goto of INI, the audience erupted in cheers. Goto, participating in the event for the second consecutive year, shared his thoughts on elections: 'After participating last time, I realized in a good way that elections are actually quite fun. Policies might seem difficult at first glance, but I felt that there are many different arguments, and I could find things that align with my own thoughts. I feel like I've taken a step toward adulthood.'

Expert Hayato Kojima, Director of the Election System Practice Research Association, also appeared, stating, 'Today, I hope to talk about things you don't usually see, such as what happens to your ballot after you cast it.'

Next, the 'party leaders' appeared! Leader Yamazaki of the 'Cyalume Bunbun Party,' Leader Dozono of the 'Soft Butt Party,' Leader Fukudome of the 'Karin Party,' and Leader Mizuta of the 'Kogo (Grumble) Party' began the debate under the common theme of 'What policies are needed to make Japan brighter?'

The leaders explained their party names, with Dozono noting, 'Elections have a stiff image, so I chose the softest thing in the world,' and Mizuta explaining, 'Supporters often tell me I grumble too much, so I named it the Kogo Party.'

INI's Goto Praises Aiseki Start Yamazaki's Policy

The first to present was Yamazaki of the 'Cyalume Bunbun Party,' who proposed a 'subsidy for fan activities (Oshi-katsu).' She argued that providing a 10,000 yen subsidy to those starting new fan activities would boost 'happiness hormones' and provide economic benefits. INI's Goto gave it a high rating, saying, 'It's very relevant to me, and the audience's reaction was great.'

Dozono of the 'Soft Butt Party' proposed 'listing your favorite food on your My Number Card' to get a 20% discount at restaurants. Goto praised it as a 'soft policy that hurts no one,' though other leaders questioned the logistics.

Fukudome of the 'Karin Party' proposed 'mandatory name tags for all citizens' to eliminate awkwardness, while Mizuta of the 'Kogo Party' proposed a 'Japanese Citizen License System,' where citizens are monitored 24/7 and those who commit 'un-citizen-like acts' (such as taking items from the back of the shelf at a supermarket) face three years of exile.

After the debate, attendees voted using actual ballot boxes. During the counting, Mr. Kojima answered questions about election rules and the impact of low youth turnout, urging everyone that 'voting is important for your own sake.'

Mizuta Forms a 'Coalition Government' Without Permission!?

The results were announced: 4th place was the 'Karin Party,' 3rd was the 'Kogo Party,' 2nd was the 'Cyalume Bunbun Party,' and 1st place went to the 'Soft Butt Party' with 126 votes. Dozono was delighted, while Mizuta suddenly announced a 'coalition government' with the Soft Butt Party, to which Dozono jokingly declared him the 'first person to be exiled.'

In the post-event interview, Yoshimura commented, 'I feel I've come to understand that elections are more accessible and not as difficult as they seem.' The performers reflected on the difficulty of debating and the importance of having different opinions while sharing the same goal of wanting to improve Japan.