A Newly Emerging Political Landscape In Japan: The Debate Between Naoki Hyakuta And Akari Iiyama

In recent years, systems that facilitate communication over the internet—commonly referred to as social networking services (SNS)—have garnered considerable attention in Japan. These platforms appear to be exerting a significant influence not only on political discourse but also on communication practices more broadly. Among such platforms, YouTube, launched around 2005, has emerged as a prominent video-sharing service that allows individuals and organizations to upload a wide range of video content. It has attracted widespread public interest, particularly as an increasing number of people now rely on online sources for information in place of traditional media such as television and newspapers. This paper investigates the ways in which internet-based information-gathering practices shape the communication strategies of the Japan Conservative Party, a recently established national political party. Specifically, it examines how the party’s messaging—alongside videos produced by Naoki Hyakuta and former party member Akari Iiyama—is perceived and interpreted by the public, and how such content may influence broader patterns of political communication. The study also explores potential trajectories for the future development of these communication styles.