今日のグーグルロゴ（Google Doodle）は”2025年第27回参議院議員通常選挙”！
今朝、Googleのロゴが投票箱と「投票済証」のデザインで彩られているのに気づいた方も多いだろう。参議院選挙の投票日に合わせた”Google Doodle”は、民主主義の根幹である選挙権の行使を促す重要なメッセージを私たちに送っている。今年のデザインは、「Google」の文字と投票箱が一体化し、一票の重みと民主主義への参加を象徴的に表現している▼参議院の歴史をたどると、1947年の日本国憲法施行とともに誕生した。二院制の一翼を担う「良識の府」として、衆議院とは異なる視点から国政をチェックする役割を持つ。任期は6年で、3年ごとに半数が改選される仕組みは、政治の継続性と安定性を保つための知恵である▼参議院選挙の特徴は、選挙区選挙と比例代表選挙の2つの投票を行うこと。有権者は候補者名と政党名の2票を投じることができる。選挙区は都道府県単位で設定され、比例代表は全国を1つの選挙区として扱う。この二重の仕組みによって、地域の声と全国的な民意の両方を反映させることが可能となっている▼投票率の低下が叫ばれて久しい。特に若年層の投票率は深刻で、20代の投票率は30％台にとどまることも多い。しかし、私たちの一票は、社会保障、教育、環境問題など、生活に直結する政策を決める大切な意思表示である▼Googleのロゴに描かれた投票箱を眺めながら、民主主義は与えられるものではなく、市民一人ひとりが参加して作り上げるものだと改めて感じる。今日という日は、未来の日本を決める大切な一日。投票所は午後8時まで開いている。まだ投票していない方は、ぜひ貴重な一票を投じていただきたい
【英語訳】Today’s Google logo (Google Doodle) is “2025 27th House of Councillors Ordinary Election”!
Many people probably noticed this morning that Google’s logo was adorned with a design featuring ballot boxes and “voting certificates.” This Google Doodle, timed to coincide with the House of Councillors election voting day, sends us an important message encouraging the exercise of voting rights, which is the foundation of democracy. This year’s design integrates the letters “Google” with ballot boxes, symbolically expressing the weight of each vote and participation in democracy.
Tracing the history of the House of Councillors, it was established with the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan in 1947. As the “House of Wisdom” that forms one wing of the bicameral system, it has the role of checking national politics from a different perspective than the House of Representatives. The six-year term, with half the members up for reelection every three years, is a wise system to maintain political continuity and stability.
The characteristic of House of Councillors elections is conducting two types of voting: constituency elections and proportional representation elections. Voters can cast two votes – one for a candidate and one for a political party. Constituencies are set by prefecture, while proportional representation treats the entire nation as one constituency. This dual system makes it possible to reflect both regional voices and nationwide public opinion.
The decline in voter turnout has been a concern for a long time. The voting rate among young people is particularly serious, with turnout among people in their twenties often remaining in the 30% range. However, our single vote is an important expression of intent that determines policies directly connected to our lives, such as social security, education, and environmental issues.
While looking at the ballot box depicted in Google’s logo, I am reminded once again that democracy is not something given to us, but something that each citizen participates in creating. Today is an important day that will determine Japan’s future. Polling stations are open until 8 PM. For those who haven’t voted yet, please cast your precious vote.
