Program for Japan

DirectDemocracyS (DDS)

DirectDemocracyS — World Democracy Movement

A Comprehensive Political, Economic, and Social Program for Japan

Fundamental reform based on logic, common sense, truth, and consistency

2025 edition 1st printing

This document is an official policy document prepared in accordance with the principles of DDS.

Preamble: Why Japan Needs Fundamental Transformation

Despite being the world's fourth-largest economy, Japan is a society plagued by serious contradictions. Beneath its outward appearance of order and stability lie a crumbling social contract, institutional corruption, intergenerational inequality, and a formal hollowing out of democracy.

The current political system does not represent the true will of the people. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has held power almost consistently since 1955, forming an "iron triangle" of collusion with the bureaucracy, business circles, and the media. This is nothing more than an oligarchy disguised as democracy.

Direct Democracy S (DDS) confronts this reality and presents a comprehensive program for Japan's revitalization based on the principles of logic, common sense, scientific evidence, truth, consistency, and mutual respect. This program is not idealism, but a collection of actionable, concrete measures.

Part 1: Analysis and Critique of the Current Situation

1.1 Structural flaws in the political system

Japanese democracy is in a state of serious dysfunction. The core problems are outlined below.

1.1.1 The solidification of one-party rule

Except for the Democratic Party of Japan's administration from 2009 to 2012, the Liberal Democratic Party has virtually monopolized postwar Japan. This situation has resulted in a lack of choices for voters, the absence of institutional alternatives, and structural resistance to change.

2021 House of Representatives Election: The Liberal Democratic Party won 61.4% of the seats with 48.1% of the single-member constituency votes. The electoral system is severely flawed.
Lack of effectiveness of the Political Funds Control Act: In the 2023-2024 "slush fund scandal," many Liberal Democratic Party members illegally handled income from political fundraising parties.
The prevalence of hereditary politics: Approximately 30% of members of the House of Representatives are second or third-generation politicians. Politics is becoming a "family business."
Chronic decline in voter turnout: The voter turnout for the 2021 House of Representatives election was 55.9%, indicating a widespread sense of political powerlessness.

1.1.2 Excessive Power of the Bureaucracy

In reality, Japan is governed by unelected bureaucrats. Each ministry has its own "territory," and maintaining its own interests takes precedence over the interests of the people. The "amakudari" system allows retired bureaucrats to find high-paying new jobs in the industries they previously oversaw, effectively rendering regulations ineffective.

1.1.3 Media Dependence

Japanese media outlets are structurally colluding with the government and large corporations through the "press club" system. Fearing the loss of access to these clubs, media outlets self-censor criticism of those in power. Reporters Without Borders' 2024 Press Freedom Index places Japan at 70th place (among the lowest ranks of the G7 countries).

1.2 Chronic Dysfunction of the Economy

1.2.1 The essence of the "lost 30 years"

Since the collapse of the bubble economy in the 1990s, the Japanese economy has fallen into a long period of stagnation. While nominal GDP figures have been maintained, the reality is dire.

index	Early 1990s	As of 2024
Real wage growth rate	Annual interest rate +2-3%	Almost zero compared to 1990.
Non-regular employment ratio	Approximately 20%	Approximately 37% (over 20 million people)
Nominal GDP growth rate	Annual interest rate of +5 to 8%	Annual interest rates of less than +1% are the norm.
National debt/GDP ratio	Approximately 60%	Over 260% (world's highest level)

These figures clearly demonstrate the failure of economic policies, including "Abenomics." While large-scale monetary easing boosted asset prices, the benefits were concentrated among the wealthy, and the lives of ordinary workers did not improve.

1.2.2 Structural problems of the budget deficit

Japan's national debt exceeds 260% of GDP, the worst level among developed countries. However, a simplistic "fiscal discipline" argument would miss the essence of the problem. The core of the issue lies in the use and structure of the debt.

Inefficient public works spending: Contrary to the slogan of "shifting from concrete to people," unnecessary infrastructure development continues.
Rising social security costs: Healthcare and pension expenses in a super-aging society are straining public finances.
Surge in defense spending: The revised security treaty in 2022 aims to double defense spending to 2% of GDP (approximately 10 trillion yen per year).
Distortions in the tax revenue structure: Dependence on consumption tax and reductions in corporate and property taxes widen inequality.

1.2.3 The entrenchment of deflationary psychology

Thirty years of deflation or low inflation have instilled in both consumers and businesses the expectation that "tomorrow will be cheaper than today." This mindset creates resistance to investment, consumption, and wage increases, leading to a vicious cycle that reinforces economic stagnation. Inflation between 2022 and 2024 will be primarily due to external factors (energy and food prices), not due to increased demand.

1.3 Serious structural problems in society

1.3.1 Demographic Crisis

Japan is facing one of the fastest population decline and aging populations in the world.

Number of births in 2023: 758,000 (a new record low). Total fertility rate: 1.20 (2023)
Projected population in 2070: 87 million (approximately 70% of the current population)
Percentage of the population aged 65 and over: 29.1% in 2023 (highest in the world), projected to reach 38.7% in 2070.
Accelerating rural extinction: Over 40% of municipalities are at risk of disappearing by 2024.

The current administration's response to this crisis has been haphazard and insufficient. The actual funding and effectiveness of the "unconventional measures to combat the declining birthrate," touted as such, are being questioned.

1.3.2 Widening Inequality and Poverty

The illusion of a "nation of 100 million middle-class citizens" has completely collapsed. Inequality in Japanese society is quietly but surely expanding.

Relative poverty rate: 15.4% (2021). This is below average among OECD member countries.
Child poverty rate: 11.5% (2021). The situation is particularly serious among single-parent households, where the rate is 44.5%.
Real wages: Remained almost flat over the 10-year period from 2012 to 2022. Lowest wage growth rate among developed countries.
Wealth inequality: The top 10% of the wealthy own more than 60% of financial assets.
Treatment of non-regular workers: Wages are 60-70% of those of regular workers, and social security is incomplete.

1.3.3 Gender Inequality

Japan's Gender Gap Index ranking for 2024 is 118th out of 146 countries. Not only is it the lowest among the G7 countries, but it is even lower than some developing countries.

Percentage of women in the Diet: Approximately 10% in the House of Representatives (2024). Significantly lower than the global average of approximately 27%.
The percentage of women in management positions is approximately 15%, significantly lower than the 30-40% seen in Western countries.
Wage gap: Women's wages are approximately 75% of men's (2022).
Unequal distribution of unpaid care work: Women spend approximately five times more time on housework and childcare than men.

1.3.4 Mental Health Crisis and Isolation

Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. In 2023, there were 21,837 suicides. The fact that suicide is the leading cause of death, especially among young people (ages 10-24), indicates a serious social problem. The establishment of the "Minister for Loneliness" (2021) was a symbolic measure acknowledging the seriousness of the problem, but it has not led to a fundamental solution.

1.3.5 Rigidity of the Education System

Japanese education emphasizes rote memorization and standardization, resulting in a significant lack of ability to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and diversity.

PISA 2022: While reading comprehension is high at 3rd place, critical thinking and evaluation of diverse perspectives are low.
While the university enrollment rate is high (over 58%), the connection between the quality of higher education and employment is weak.
Educational inequality: Disparities in educational opportunities based on region and family income are becoming entrenched.
Teacher burnout due to overwork: Teachers work an average of over 80 hours of overtime per month, leading to a decline in the quality of education.

1.4 Contradictions in Environmental and Energy Policies

Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, Japan was forced to fundamentally change its energy policy. However, the current administration's response has lacked consistency.

Return to Nuclear Power: The Kishida and Kishimoto administrations are promoting the restart and construction of new nuclear power plants. A return to nuclear power without establishing a safety culture is dangerous.
Continued reliance on coal: One of the G7 countries with the highest reliance on coal-fired power plants.
Delays in the adoption of renewable energy: Institutional and regulatory barriers are causing a 10-15 year delay compared to Europe.
Insufficient greenhouse gas reduction targets: The 46% reduction target for 2030 falls short of the scientifically necessary level.

Part 2: Comprehensive Reform Program by DDS

The DDS program is a blueprint, not a slogan. Each policy clearly outlines its specific implementation methods, duration, funding sources, expected outcomes, and corrective mechanisms in case of failure. Based on logic and evidence, it presents realistic and feasible reforms in a step-by-step manner.

2.1 Political Reform: Building True Democracy

2.1.1 Gradual Introduction of Direct Democracy

The core of DDS is direct democracy. However, this does not mean abolishing the current representative system overnight. It advocates a "hybrid democracy" that expands direct participation in decision-making while gradually fostering citizens' capacity for political participation.

Phase 1 (Years 1-3): Experimental implementation at the local level

The "Citizen Proposal System" has been legalized in municipalities nationwide, making referendums mandatory with signatures from 2% of eligible voters.
Development of an electronic voting system: Development of a domestic open-source platform that ensures security and accessibility.
Institutionalization of "Citizens' Assembly": Establishment of deliberative bodies composed of randomly selected citizens in each prefecture.
10% of the local budget is allocated as a "participatory budget" and decided by direct vote of residents.

Phase 2 (Years 4-7): Expansion to the prefectural level

Reduction of the number of seats in prefectural assemblies (a 40% reduction from the current number) and establishment of a citizen participation committee.
Mandate referendums at the prefectural level on important policies (infrastructure development, environmental standards, etc.).
Establishment of a "Citizens' Committee for Policy Evaluation": An independent citizens' committee evaluates the results of administrative policies.

Phase 3 (Years 8-15): Expansion to the national level

Mandatory national referendums on important national legislation (constitutional amendments, major treaties, defense-related laws)
The term of office for members of parliament will be shortened from four years to three years, and a rolling system (half of the members will be re-elected each year) will be introduced.
Institutionalization of "open legislation": Making the entire bill-making process public and integrating public opinion.

[Specific Example] Switzerland's Direct Democracy System: In Switzerland, referendums are held multiple times a year. For example, in 2023, important issues such as AHV (pension system) reform, climate-related taxation, and infrastructure investment were decided by referendum. By applying a similar system in Japan, the democratic legitimacy of policies and citizens' sense of ownership can be enhanced.

[Expected Outcomes] Increased citizen participation in politics (current voter turnout of 55% → over 80%), restored confidence in policy-making, and experimentation with and dissemination of innovative policies at the local government level.

2.1.2 Fundamental reform of the electoral system

The current mixed electoral system of single-member districts and proportional representation distorts public opinion. DDS proposes the following reforms.

Transition to a fully proportional representation system: The country will be divided into 10 to 15 blocks, and proportional representation elections will be conducted using the D'Hondt method.
Population-based allocation of electoral district seats: Establishment of an independent election commission to limit the "vote disparity" to within 1.2 times.
Relaxation of party requirements: The current requirement of "2% of the vote or the election of 5 or more members" will be relaxed to "1% of the vote".
Complete transparency in political funding: All political funding income and expenditures will be made publicly available online in real time.
Complete ban on corporate and organizational donations: Limited to individual donations, with an annual limit of 50,000 yen.
Mandatory disclosure of politicians' assets and institutionalization of audits by independent bodies.

[Funding] The cost of electoral system reform is minimal (approximately 50 billion yen for system development, temporary). The ban on corporate and organizational donations will lead to greater political integrity and improve the quality of policies in the long term.

2.1.3 Democratic control of the bureaucracy

Complete ban on "amakudari" (the practice of retired government officials taking lucrative positions in private companies) and imposition of criminal penalties on violators (strengthening existing administrative penalties).
Each ministry and agency should establish a "citizen oversight officer" (selected from an independent citizens' committee).
The period for requesting disclosure of administrative documents will be shortened from the current 60 days to 15 days.
Mandatory disclosure of bureaucratic policy-making processes: Documenting the rationale behind "why that policy was chosen."
From centralized to decentralized: 40% of national powers transferred to prefectures and municipalities

2.2 Economic Reform: Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Economy

2.2.1 Fundamental redesign of the tax system

Japan's tax system is advantageous to the wealthy and large corporations, and disadvantageous to workers and the middle and lower income brackets. DDS reverses this.

tax item	current	DDS reform proposal
consumption tax	10% (reduced tax rate of 8%)	Daily necessities 0%, general 8%, luxury goods 15%
Corporate tax (large companies)	23.2% (The effective tax rate is low)	30% (Expansion of the tax base and elimination of preferential treatment)
top income tax rate	45% (55% including resident tax)	60% (Taxable base for amounts exceeding 100 million yen)
Taxation of financial income	A flat rate of 20% (separate taxation)	Integrated into a progressive tax system (up to 60%)
Inheritance tax	Up to 55% (effective tax rate is low)	Increase in effective tax rate and elimination of preferential treatment.
Carton tax	Effectively low level	Gradual increase (5,000 yen to 20,000 yen per ton of CO2)

Details of the consumption tax reform: Essential goods (food, medicine, public transportation) will be exempt from tax, and the tax rate on general goods will remain at 8%. Luxury goods (jewelry, luxury cars, luxury hotels, etc.) will be taxed at 15%. This will eliminate regressivity for low-income earners while achieving revenue neutrality or increased revenue.

[Estimate] Progressive taxation on financial income and increased taxation on large corporations alone are expected to generate an additional 10 to 15 trillion yen in tax revenue annually. This is equivalent to about 10% of the current annual social security expenditure (approximately 140 trillion yen).

2.2.2 Fundamental reform of the labor market

While "equal pay for equal work" is legalized in principle, it is not reflected in reality. DDS aims to make this a reality.

Full equal treatment for non-regular and regular workers: Prohibit discriminatory treatment based on employment type and strengthen sanctions against violating companies.
Significant increase in minimum wage: Aiming for 1,500 yen per hour in 2025 and 2,000 yen per hour in 2030 (uniform nationwide)
Stricter regulations on working hours: 40 hours per week strictly enforced, overtime limits reduced to 20 hours per month.
"Rationalization of dismissal regulations": Maintaining the requirements for layoffs by large companies while doubling severance pay.
Promoting union participation: Clarify the right of all workers to join unions and make corporate interference subject to criminal penalties.
Recognizing gig workers as employees: Applying labor laws and social insurance to platform workers

[Specific Example] Germany's Co-Decision-Making System (Mitbestimmung): In companies with more than 2,000 employees, employee representatives make up half of the supervisory board. Introducing a similar "industrial democracy" in Japan could improve management transparency and ensure better distribution of profits to workers.

[Expected Outcomes] The implementation of a minimum wage of 1,500 yen is expected to improve the living standards of approximately 17 million low-wage workers. It is also estimated that the expansion of domestic demand will boost the economic growth rate by 0.5 to 1 percentage point.

2.2.3 Strategic Redesign of Industrial Policy

Japan's industrial policy is bound by past successes and has failed to adapt to the changes in the economic structure of the 21st century.

Focused investment in growth industries:

Green technologies (battery storage, hydrogen, offshore wind power): A combined public-private investment of approximately 100 trillion yen over the next 10 years.
Digital infrastructure (quantum computing, AI, cybersecurity): Establishment of national research institutions and strengthening of industry-academia collaboration.
Caregiving and Healthcare Industry: Transforming Demand in an Aging Society into an Opportunity for Economic Growth
Advanced Agriculture: Strengthening support for smart agriculture and organic farming will raise the food self-sufficiency rate from the current 38% to 65%.

Fundamental strengthening of support for small and medium-sized enterprises:

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 70% of employment in Japan. However, their productivity remains at only about 50% of that of large corporations.
Digitalization support: Subsidies for IT tool implementation (up to 3 million yen) and expert dispatch will be continued for 5 years.
Establishment of the "SME Solidarity Cooperative" system: Legislation to create a mechanism for SMEs to engage in joint purchasing, joint sales, and joint research and development.
Solving the succession problem: Expanding tax incentives for M&A and business succession, and establishing a nationwide network of "business succession centers."

2.2.4 Restructuring of Monetary and Fiscal Policy

While Japan's fiscal situation is considered "unsustainable," a realistic approach is needed that takes into account the unique characteristics of its domestic currency-denominated debt in addition to yen-denominated government bonds.

Breaking free from the "myth" of primary balance: Adopting functional finance theory that emphasizes return on investment, rather than rigidly applying fiscal balance theory.
Strengthening the independence of the Bank of Japan: Breaking free from excessive ties with the government and prioritizing long-term price stability.
Optimal use of national assets: Converting government-held fiscal investment and loan funds (approximately 300 trillion yen) into productive investments.
Reform of the local allocation tax system: Increase flexibility in how funds are used and enable policies tailored to the specific circumstances of each region.
Establishment of a "National Fund": A sovereign wealth fund (initial size of 30 trillion yen) will be established in which all citizens will be beneficiaries, supporting asset building for future generations.

[Overall picture of funding sources] Additional funding sources for the DDS program (annually): +12 trillion yen from strengthening financial income and asset taxation, +5 trillion yen from expanding the corporate tax base, +2 trillion yen from carbon tax (gradually), +2 trillion yen from reducing and streamlining defense spending, and +3 trillion yen from cutting non-essential public works. Total: Creates an annual fiscal buffer of +24 trillion yen.

2.3 Social Policy: A society where all people can live with dignity

2.3.1 Redesigning Social Security into a "Basic Income" Model

DDS advocates for a "gradual universal social security" system that combines a fundamental reform of the current social security system with the immediate implementation of a complete basic income (BI).

Phase 1: Fundamental strengthening of child and childcare support

Introduction of a "Children's Basic Income": Providing 30,000 yen per month to all children under 18 (Funding source: Abolition of child allowances for high-income earners + additional tax revenue)
Achieve completely free childcare and kindergarten education, and eliminate waiting lists for childcare (within 3 years).
Strengthening prenatal and postnatal care: Building a comprehensive childcare support system that includes measures to address postpartum depression.

Phase 2: Radical reform of unemployment and poverty countermeasures

Raising "Living Security Standards": The current welfare standards will be increased by 20%, and the application process will be drastically simplified.
Introduction of the "Equivalent Tax Credit for Workers (EITC)": Providing direct payments to low-income workers to eliminate the working poor.
Strengthening housing support: Significantly increasing the number of public rental housing units (500,000 units over 10 years) and expanding rent subsidies.

Phase 3 (Years 7-15): Gradual introduction of a basic income (BI) system.

A monthly "citizen's dividend" of 70,000 yen will be paid to all citizens aged 20 and over (integrating and partially replacing various existing benefit systems).
Funding sources: Carbon tax revenue + financial asset tax + investment returns from the national fund

[Specific Example] Finland's Basic Income experiment (2017-2018): In an experiment where 2,000 unemployed people were provided with 560 euros per month, improvements in mental health and confidence were observed, and there was no significant decrease in the employment rate. In Japan, too, the effectiveness of policies can be verified by starting with experiments at the local level.

2.3.2 Strengthening and ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system

Japan's universal health insurance system is an excellent system that the world can be proud of, but its sustainability is threatened by an aging population and financial pressure.

Focused investment in preventive medicine: A paradigm shift from disease "treatment" to "prevention." Raising the health checkup rate from the current 56% to 80%.
Strengthening the primary care physician system: To alleviate the concentration of patients in large hospitals and establish a system where local general practitioners provide primary care.
Digital Health Revolution: Nationwide integration of electronic medical records, AI-powered diagnostic support, and institutional spread of telemedicine.
Fundamental reform of the drug pricing system: Increase the usage rate of generic drugs from the current 80% to 95%.
Raising caregiving fees and improving the working conditions of care workers: Raising the average wage of care workers to the same level as the manufacturing industry (25% increase from current level)
Full implementation of the "community-based integrated care system" for medical and nursing care: Shifting from hospital-centered care to home-based and community-centered care.

2.3.3 Educational Revolution: Fostering Critical Thinking and Creativity

The Japanese education system is well-suited for producing "excellent imitators," but it lacks the ability to cultivate the "innovators, problem solvers, and critical thinkers" needed in the 21st century.

Fundamental reform of the curriculum:

Shifting from rote memorization to question-based learning: Introducing Socratic dialogue, project-based learning, and problem-solving learning across all grade levels.
Philosophy, ethics, and logical thinking will be made compulsory subjects from elementary school.
Practical education in programming and data science will be introduced in earnest from junior high school.
"Global Civic Education": Integrating education in democracy, human rights, the environment, and multicultural understanding.
The resurgence of arts and creativity education: Increasing arts-related subjects that have been reduced.

Fundamental improvement of teachers' status and working conditions:

Teacher salaries will be increased by 20% (although they are already high, this will be an improvement in effective wages that take into account the reality of overtime work).
The maximum class size per homeroom teacher will be reduced from the current 35 students to 25 students (10-year plan).
Significant reduction in administrative tasks: Creating an environment where teachers can concentrate on lesson preparation.
Institutionalization of continuous professional growth: Providing opportunities for at least 10 days of training and international educational visits per year.

Reform in higher education:

Complete tuition-free education at national and public universities and generous scholarship programs for private universities.
Strengthening university autonomy and diversifying "university evaluation" (shifting from a sole focus on employment rates to a comprehensive evaluation of research, education, and social contribution).
Enhancement of graduate school and vocational training: Introduction of an "education voucher" system to support working adults in continuing their education.

2.3.4 Achieving Gender Equality

Gender equality is not just a "women's issue," but an issue for society as a whole. Studies have shown that societies where gender equality is achieved experience improvements in economic efficiency, social well-being, and the quality of democracy.

Immediate implementation of a system allowing married couples to choose separate surnames (respecting the current Supreme Court ruling and enacting legislation promptly)
Introduction of a quota system: Increase the percentage of women in parliamentary seats, corporate executive positions, and public service management positions to over 40% within five years.
Promoting the use of childcare and family care leave: From a "right" to an "obligation" for men to take paternity leave (penalties for companies that violate the rules)
Eradicating domestic violence and sexual violence: 24-hour hotline for consultations, five-fold increase in victim support budget, and mandatory perpetrator rehabilitation programs.
Enhancing gender and sex education in schools: Standardizing comprehensive sexuality education nationwide.
Social evaluation of unpaid care work: Provision of "care benefits" (30,000 yen per month) to those engaged in childcare and elder care.

[Expected Economic Effects] According to McKinsey's estimates, eliminating gender inequality in Japan could increase GDP by up to 24% by 2025.

2.4 Environmental and Energy Policy: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future

2.4.1 Roadmap for Energy Transition

DDS aims to minimize reliance on nuclear energy while achieving 100% renewable energy supply. This is feasible, and countries like Germany, Denmark, and Iceland are demonstrating it through different approaches.

Energy source	As of 2024	2035 target	2050 target
sunlight	Approximately 9%	twenty five%	40%
Wind power (onshore and offshore)	Approximately 1%	15%	twenty five%
Hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass	Approximately 10%	15%	20%
Hydrogen and ammonia	Almost 0%	5%	15%
Nuclear power	Approximately 9%	5% or less (phased elimination)	0%
fossil fuel	Approximately 71%	35% or less	0%

Complete ban on the construction of new coal-fired power plants by 2030.
Complete phase-out of existing coal-fired power plants by 2040
Offshore wind power: 10 million kW by 2030, 40 million kW by 2040
Mandatory installation of solar panels on residential and commercial buildings (new construction: from 2027, existing buildings: with subsidies for renovations from 2035)
Large-scale investment in energy storage systems: V2G (Vehicle to Grid) utilizing batteries, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and electric vehicles.

[Investment and Employment Effects] A 100 trillion yen investment over 10 years in renewable energy transition will create approximately 1 million new jobs in the energy sector. The economic effects of circulating the proceeds from fossil fuel imports (currently approximately 25 trillion yen per year) within the country are immeasurable.

2.4.2 Circular Economy and Biodiversity Conservation

Legislation to establish a "zero waste" target: Reduce the amount of industrial waste sent to landfills by 90% by 2040.
Mandatory "circularity from the design stage" of products: Repairability, reusability, and ease of disassembly must be made product design requirements.
Phased elimination of plastic pollution: Completely eliminate single-use plastics by 2030 and support the transition to alternative materials industries.
Designating 30% of the country's land area as a protected zone (achieving the "30x30 target")
Conservation of rural landscapes and coastal areas: Institutionalization of ecosystem protection through coexistence with agriculture and fisheries.
Strengthening measures against invasive alien species: Investment in early detection and removal of invasive alien species and strengthening penalties.

2.4.3 Food and agricultural policy

Japan's food self-sufficiency rate (on a calorie basis) is 38%, the lowest among developed countries. This poses a serious security risk.

Expansion of organic farming: From the current 0.6% to 10% by 2030 and 25% by 2050 (following the EU's Farm to Fork strategy)
Cultivating the agricultural population: Drastically strengthening support for new farmers. Guaranteed monthly income of 200,000 yen for the first five years.
Promoting land consolidation and large-scale farming: Strengthening the functions of land banks for efficient agriculture
Promoting local production and consumption: Subsidies for 100% domestic production of school lunches and reduction of "food mileage"
Legal mandate for reducing food waste: Food industry, retail, and restaurant businesses will be required to gradually reduce the amount of food waste they produce.

2.5 Foreign Policy and Security: Realistic Pacifism

2.5.1 Redesigning Foreign Policy

DDS advocates "realistic pacifism." This is neither a defenseless pacifism nor a militaristic hardline approach. It is a wise and proactive peace diplomacy that prioritizes conflict prevention through diplomatic means.

A "mature restructuring" of the U.S.-Japan alliance: Shifting from the current asymmetrical dependency to an equal partnership. Renegotiating the cost-sharing of U.S. military presence in Japan and achieving a gradual reduction and consolidation of bases.
Promoting multilateral cooperation in East Asia: Actively promoting the "East Asian Community" concept among Japan, China, and South Korea. Strengthening cooperation in the economic, cultural, and environmental fields.
Resuming dialogue with North Korea: Rebuilding phased dialogue toward a comprehensive resolution of the abduction and nuclear issues
Relations with Russia: Pursuing realistic solutions to the Northern Territories issue (creative solutions such as joint development and dual sovereignty).
Reforming ODA (Official Development Assistance): Shifting from "Visible Aid" to a "Sustainable Development Partnership"
Active participation in UN reform: Expanding contributions to UN Security Council reform and peacekeeping operations.

2.5.2 Defense policy

DDS advocates a defense policy that responds to the realistic security environment while upholding the spirit of Article 9 of the Constitution.

Review of the plan to double defense spending to 2% of GDP: Emphasis on efficient defense investment. Strengthening defense capabilities through "quality" rather than "quantity".
Significantly strengthening cyber defense capabilities: Establishing specialized units to address security in the digital age.
Adherence to the principle of exclusively defensive defense: Review the plan to possess "enemy base attack capability (counterattack capability)" and concentrate on defensive deterrence.
Maintaining and strengthening arms export controls: Strictly apply the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and prohibit exports to countries in conflict zones or countries that violate human rights.
Signing and ratifying the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: Demonstrating leadership in nuclear disarmament diplomacy as the only country to have suffered a nuclear attack.

2.6 Digital Technology Policy

2.6.1 Establishing Digital Sovereignty

Japan is one of the slowest countries in terms of digitalization among major nations. This lag is serious, as evidenced by problems with My Number cards and the continued reliance on paper and seals in administrative procedures. However, DDS promotes "digitalization for the benefit of citizens," not "privatization for the sake of digitalization."

Building a "Digital Public Infrastructure": Developing the digitalization of administrative services as public infrastructure rather than outsourcing them to private companies.
Data Sovereignty: Legislation for "data sovereignty," which allows individuals to control their own data.
Prioritizing Open Source: Prioritizing open-source software over proprietary software in government systems.
Digital literacy education for all ages: Providing free digital education for everyone from children to seniors.
Enactment of AI Governance Law: Legally mandates fairness, transparency, accountability, and human rights protection for AI.
National strategic investment in quantum computing research and development: 2 trillion yen over 10 years

2.6.2 Platform Regulation and the Health of the Information Space

Strengthening competition law enforcement on giant digital platforms: Stricter regulations against abuse of monopolistic positions.
Mandatory transparency of algorithms: Disclose the mechanisms of recommendation algorithms to mitigate the harmful effects of filter bubbles.
Regulation of the digital advertising market: Restrictions on the political use of targeted advertising.
Combating fake news: Imposing obligations on platforms to promptly remove false information and to support independent fact-checking organizations.
Legislation on digital access rights: Positioning internet connectivity as a basic service and guaranteeing universal access for rural areas, remote islands, and the elderly.

2.7 Regional Revitalization and Immigration Policy

2.7.1 Regional Revitalization

The over-concentration of power in Tokyo is one of Japan's biggest structural problems. The disappearance of rural areas is not simply a "rural problem," but a problem for the very survival of the nation.

Decentralization of capital functions: Relocation of the National Diet, Supreme Court, and major government ministries to regional areas (e.g., the Ministry of Finance in Osaka, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Hokkaido/rural areas).
Strengthening local taxes: Increase the proportion of local consumption tax and local corporate tax to create a foundation for local governments to implement policies using their own financial resources.
Expanding "Regional Revitalization Special Zones": Promoting industrial creation in regional areas through deregulation and tax incentives.
Promoting remote work and supporting relocation to rural areas: Providing a "relocation incentive" (up to 1 million yen) to those who move from urban to rural areas.
Compact City Policy: Promoting the efficient reorganization of services and sustainable urban design in areas with declining populations.
Fundamental reform of the "hometown tax" system: Correcting the unfairness of the current system and redesigning it into a mechanism that truly leads to regional development.

2.7.2 A fundamental shift in immigration and refugee policy

Accepting immigrants is inevitable to address Japan's population crisis. DDS advocates a "controlled openness" policy.

From "foreign workers" to "migrant citizens": Abolish the technical intern training program and replace it with a system for migrant workers with legitimate labor and residency rights.
Rationalization of permanent residency and naturalization systems: Clarification and simplification of eligibility requirements and expedition of the review process.
Significant improvement in refugee recognition rates: Bringing the current recognition rate of less than 1% closer to the OECD average (approximately 25%).
Institutionalization of multicultural coexistence: Mandatory multilingual services in local governments and promotion of cultural exchange.
Enhancing Japanese language education and social integration support for immigrants: Free Japanese language classes and social adaptation programs.
Population target: Aim to accept 300,000 immigrants annually by 2050, creating a society where 10% of the total population is of foreign origin.

[Preventive Measures] To minimize social friction associated with accepting immigrants, a phased and planned acceptance process will be implemented, along with "coexistence education" targeting both Japanese and foreign nationals.

2.8 Application of the DDS Governance Model to Japan

By applying DDS's organizational principles of "fractal collective autonomy," "three-stage identity verification," and "collective ownership" to local communities, labor unions, and civil society organizations in Japan, we aim to rebuild democracy at the grassroots level.

National organization of "basic citizen groups" of 5 people: Each group discusses local issues and consolidates proposals to higher-level groups.
Establishment of "Direct Democracy S Japan Branch": Official organization of a political movement based on the principles of DDS in Japan.
Collaboration with AI: Utilizing DDS's allddsAI project to democratically apply AI to policymaking, citizen participation, and information sharing.
Experimenting with "collective ownership": Supporting the dissemination of cooperative ownership models for the means of production, housing, and energy equipment.
Institutionalization of "mutual respect agreements": A social agreement of norms to maintain minimum courtesy and fact-based discussion even in political conflicts.

Part 3: Implementation Process and Expected Outcomes

3.1 Three-stage implementation process

The full implementation of a DDS program will take 15 to 20 years. However, it is crucial to create "irreversible change" in the first three years.

Phase 1: Emergency Reforms (Years 1-3)

Legislation for electoral system reform and amendment of the Political Funds Act
Gradual implementation of a minimum wage of 1,500 yen
Implementation of consumption tax reform (zero tax rate on essential goods)
Introduction of a basic income for children
Prohibition of new coal-fired power plant construction
Complete ban on former government officials taking lucrative positions in private companies and the establishment of criminal penalties for violations.
Local pilot programs for citizen-participatory budgeting
Mandatory paternity leave

Phase 2: Structural Reforms (Years 4-7)

Expansion of direct democracy to the prefectural level
Full implementation of fundamental tax reform (including progressive taxation of financial income)
Full-scale energy transition (renewable energy ratio exceeds 40%)
Nationwide implementation of educational curriculum reform
Shifting the healthcare system towards preventive medicine.
The start of decentralization of capital functions
Implementation of immigration system reforms

Phase 3: Consolidating the Change (Years 8-15)

Full-scale implementation of direct democracy at the national level
Introduction of a tiered citizen dividend system (a basic income-like system)
Achieving 100% renewable energy power supply (2040s)
Achieving an agricultural self-sufficiency rate of 65%
Achieving a ranking in the top 25% of OECD countries in the Gender Equality Index.
Establishing a path to population stabilization

3.2 Expected Outcomes and Metrics

field	Current situation (2024)	Goal in 5 years	Goal after 15 years
Political participation rate (voting rate)	55.9%	Over 70%	Over 80%
Gender Gap Index Ranking	118th place	Top 60	Top 30
Relative poverty rate	15.4%	12% or less	8% or less
Real wage growth rate (annual rate)	Almost zero	+2% or more	+3% or more
Renewable energy ratio	Approximately 21%	45%	Over 80%
Food self-sufficiency rate (on a calorie basis)	38%	50%	65%
birth rate	1.20	1.40	1.60 or higher
Child poverty rate	11.5%	7% or less	4% or less
Suicide rate (per 100,000 people)	16.8	12 or less	8 or less
CO2 emissions (compared to 1990)	-20%	-50%	-80%

3.3 Anticipated Risks and Countermeasures

DDS is based on realism. Reforms inevitably involve resistance and side effects. The main risks and countermeasures are outlined below.

Risk 1: Resistance from vested interests

The Liberal Democratic Party, business circles, and major media outlets are beneficiaries of the current system and will fiercely resist reform. Countermeasures: Organizing citizen movements, investing in media diversification, and a "visualization" strategy through thorough transparency.

Risk 2: Overestimation of fiscal costs

Some reforms have high initial costs (e.g., childcare facility development, housing construction, renewable energy infrastructure). Countermeasures: Combining them with private investment, phased implementation, and thorough disclosure of long-term projections of social benefits.

Risk 3: Social friction caused by immigration

Rapid immigration can lead to cultural friction and increased labor market competition. Possible countermeasures include: gradual and planned acceptance, coexistence education for both Japanese and foreign nationals, and creating an environment of coexistence rather than competition through the standardization of working conditions.

Risk 4: Widening inequality due to digital transformation

Digitalization can create a "digital gap" that leaves the elderly and low-income groups behind. Countermeasures include universalizing digital literacy education and thoroughly implementing a "two-pronged policy" that guarantees the coexistence of digital and analog methods.

Risk 5: International pressure

External pressure from the United States and other countries (demands for increased defense spending, TPP/FTA negotiations, etc.) could hinder reform. Countermeasures: Strengthen diplomatic autonomy, promote national debate on "balancing national interests and alliance obligations," and utilize multilateral diplomacy.

Conclusion: Change is possible

The problems facing Japan today are complex and serious. However, they are not "fate." Human-made systems can be changed by humans.

The program presented by DDS is neither a slogan nor a pipe dream. It is a realistic and actionable blueprint for transformation, based on logic, supported by evidence, and referencing actual success stories.

What is needed for change is not a heroic leader, but the collective will of awakened citizens. The essence of democracy is not "being represented," but "participating." The philosophy of DDS is based on this conviction.

Japanese youth are already demanding change. Many older people also don't think things are fine the way they are. The question isn't "Do we want change?" but "How do we change?"

DDS does not impose answers. Its mission is to provide citizens with the "space and tools" to think, discuss, and decide for themselves. The future of Japan rests in the hands of the Japanese citizens themselves.

Direct Democracy S (DDS)

Logic, common sense, truth, consistency, mutual respect

directdemocracys.org