This June, Japan lowered the voting age to 18 from 20, adding around 2.4 million people to the country’s rapidly graying voting population. This was the biggest reform in 70 years made to Japan’s electoral law according to The Japan Times.

“This is a very significant development considering many nations have already adopted 18 as the voting age and that this will allow for more young people’s voices to be reflected in politics,” the government’s chief spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said during a morning press briefing in Tokyo according to NBC News.

As the majority of the voters consist of the elderly population, it has become increasingly difficult for Japan to have an evenly distributed age representation. Less than 33% of citizens in their 20s exercised their right to vote according to polls taken in last year’s general election in December. In contrast, The Wall Street Journal states that voter turnout for citizens in their 60s and 70s was 68% and 60% respectively. Rina (12) said, “Because we weren’t able to vote, I feel like so many teenagers are very indifferent to politics and society.”

This bill passed in an attempt to encourage younger voters to be more politically active and independent-minded. However, is the younger generation of Japan really aware of how much of an impact their decision to vote or not to vote will make?

For women who are potential or current residents in Japan, it is even more important that young people, especially women, vote. Yoko (12) was recently able to meet Masako Mori, a Member of the House of Councillors, who is working under Prime Minister Abe. Yoko said, “She told me that when groups introduce new plans to increase women’s involvement in the political or economic sector, the older conservative members vote against it most of the time. In comparison, she told me that young members were more flexible and had “modern” mindsets that enable a more equal and up-to-date decision.”