I am a 16-year-old student in Tokyo. My family lived in the United States for four years. I saw how people think about politics in both countries. Politics is about government, laws, and leaders. In Japan and America, people have different ideas about politics. They vote, talk, and trust leaders in different ways. I want to understand these differences. How do people act in politics? Why do they feel different? What makes their attitudes special? I write this to share what I learned about public attitudes toward politics in America and Japan. It is exciting to compare them.
In Japan, people are quiet about politics. Many people vote, but they don’t talk much about it. Voting is important. About 50–60% of people vote in big elections, like for the Diet, Japan’s parliament. My parents vote every time. They read about candidates in newspapers. But they don’t tell friends who they choose. In Japan, politics is private. People think it’s rude to argue about leaders or laws. At school, we learn about government, like the Constitution or the Prime Minister. But students don’t debate politics. Teachers say to respect the system, not question it. I never saw political signs in my town.
In America, people are loud about politics. They love to share opinions. Voting is big, with 60–70% of people in presidential elections. My American friends’ parents talked about candidates at dinner. They put signs in yards, like “Vote for Smith!” or “Go Blue!” People wear shirts with political messages, like hats or buttons. Politics is open. At school, we had debates about laws or leaders. Students said what they thought. Teachers asked us to explain our ideas. I was shy, but I liked listening. In America, politics is like a sport, with teams cheering.
Participation is different. In Japan, people join elections but not protests. Protests are rare. If people don’t like a law, they write letters or sign papers. My uncle joined a group to save a park, but they sent emails, not shouted. Political groups are small and quiet. Most people follow the government’s rules. They trust leaders to decide. Joining politics, like running for office, is for older people or rich families. Young people don’t join much. They focus on school or jobs. I saw a small rally once, but it was calm.
In America, participation is active. Protests are common. People march for things like climate change or equal rights. My school had a walkout to ask for safer schools. Hundreds joined, holding signs. Political groups are big. People join parties, like Democrats or Republicans. They go to meetings or give money. Young people are active too. My friend, only 18, helped a candidate by calling voters. In America, anyone can join politics. People think their voice matters. I liked the energy, but it felt loud sometimes.
Trust in government is different. In Japan, people trust leaders a lot. They think the government works for them. My neighbor says politicians are smart and know best. Scandals happen, like money problems, but people still trust the system. They believe Japan’s government keeps life safe and stable. For example, trains run on time, and streets are clean. People don’t complain much. They accept decisions, even if they don’t agree. My father says Japan’s peace comes from trust. I think it makes life easy, but sometimes boring.
In America, trust is low. Many people don’t believe leaders. They think politicians care about money or power, not people. My American teacher said only 30% of people trust the government. Scandals, like lies or fights, make people angry. People question everything. They watch news to check what leaders do. For example, my neighbor in America argued about taxes, saying the government wastes money. Americans want to control leaders, not follow them. I think it’s exciting, but it makes people fight.
Political expression is different. In Japan, people are careful. They don’t say strong opinions in public. My mother says it’s bad to upset others. If someone disagrees, they stay quiet or nod. Social media, like LINE, has little politics. People post about food or trips, not leaders. Political talk shows are calm. Guests speak politely and agree. At home, my family talks about politics softly, like it’s a secret. In Japan, harmony is more important than saying your idea. I like this, but I want to speak more sometimes.
In America, people express ideas freely. They argue at home, school, or online. Social media, like X, is full of politics. People post about laws, candidates, or protests. Some posts are angry or funny. My American friend shared a video about climate laws. TV shows are loud. News hosts shout, and guests fight. At school, students said who they liked for president. Some argued, but it was okay. In America, saying your opinion is normal, even if others disagree. I was surprised, but I learned to share my ideas.
Culture makes attitudes different. In Japan, people value groups. They work together and avoid trouble. Politics is about keeping peace. My teacher says Japan’s history, like long peace after wars, makes people calm. Respect for leaders is big. People bow to officials. They think leaders know more. In Japan, change is slow. People like things to stay the same. I think it’s safe, but it stops new ideas sometimes.
In America, culture is about individuals. People want to be different and free. Politics is about choice. My American friend says history, like fighting for freedom, makes people loud. They don’t trust leaders easily. They call politicians by names, not titles. Change is fast. People want new laws or leaders. I think it’s exciting, but it makes fights. America’s culture pushes people to speak, even if it’s hard.
News is different. In Japan, news is calm and simple. TV shows facts about politics, like new laws or meetings. Reporters are polite. They don’t say bad things about leaders. Newspapers, like Asahi, give information, not strong opinions. My family watches NHK news. It feels fair. In America, news is loud and divided. Channels like CNN or Fox have opinions. Reporters argue about leaders. My uncle watched different news to hear both sides. Newspapers, like The New York Times, mix facts and ideas. I think Japan’s news is clear, but America’s news is interesting.
Young people are different. In Japan, young people don’t care much about politics. They vote less, about 30% in elections. My friends focus on school, games, or music. They say politics is for old people. Some join groups, like for environment, but it’s rare. In America, young people are active. They vote more, about 50% in big elections. My American classmates talked about laws, like for schools or climate. They joined marches or clubs. I think Japan’s youth are quiet, but America’s youth are loud.
Problems are different. In Japan, people worry about low voting. Young people don’t join, so older people control politics. Some want more women leaders, but it’s slow. In America, people worry about fighting. Politics splits families and friends. Trust is low, so people don’t work together. Both countries try to fix this. Japan teaches politics in schools. America makes voting easier. I hope both improve.
Elections are different. In Japan, elections are quiet. Candidates speak at stations or shops. They use loudspeakers on cars. Posters are small and simple. Campaigns are short, about two weeks. My town had an election, and it was calm. In America, elections are big. Candidates have TV ads and rallies. Posters and signs are everywhere. Campaigns last months or years. My American town had flags and music for elections. I like Japan’s calm, but America’s energy is fun.
Leaders are different. In Japan, leaders are older, usually men. They work for years and know many people. The Prime Minister changes often, sometimes every year. People respect them but don’t expect big changes. In America, leaders are younger sometimes, men or women. Presidents stay four or eight years. People expect big changes. My American friends loved or hated their president. I think Japan’s leaders are steady, but America’s leaders are bold.
I learned a lot about politics in Japan and America. Japan’s people are quiet, trusting, and calm. They want peace and respect. America’s people are loud, questioning, and free. They want change and choice. Both are good in different ways. Japan’s way makes life stable. America’s way makes life exciting. If I choose, I want Japan’s trust and America’s voice. As I write this, I think about my friends in both countries. Politics is different, but people want a good life everywhere.