Local News

The federal government election is set for Sunday, Dec 16, and campaigning has already begun. Fukuoka Pref. has 11 electoral districts with each district with at least three candidates in each for a total of 49. Candidates campaign from name-adorned vans while driving in their district and in front of prominent landmarks. (Editor: The candidates often wear white gloves (not sure why) and appeal to people by screaming to megaphones (again, we are not sure why and wish they wouldn’t!). You must be a Japanese citizen to vote but it is not compulsory.