New party Team Mirai pushes to bring ‘digital democracy’ to Japan

Team Mirai, meaning “future,” has emerged as a significant force in Japanese politics, winning 11 seats in the Lower House election in February. Founded in 2025 by AI engineer Takahiro Anno, the party champions the use of digital technology – particularly AI – to reform politics, improve government services, and stimulate economic growth. Anno, a University of Tokyo engineering graduate and experienced tech entrepreneur, aims to create “a country that can believe the future is bright” through a technocratic approach reminiscent of Singapore’s governance.

Team Mirai’s policy agenda centers on three key themes: bold investment in future technologies like AI and robotics, protecting citizens’ current well-being through social insurance and tax credits, and upgrading political and public administration with technology. They are developing tools like the Idobata System, an open-source platform for policy deliberation, to gather public opinions and improve government transparency. Anno believes digital democracy is well-suited to Japan’s political landscape and cultural affinity for technology.

Beyond political reform, Team Mirai sees AI as a solution to Japan’s social and economic challenges, including a shrinking labor pool and slow legislative processes. They advocate for nationwide autonomous driving infrastructure and the use of AI to address the software engineer shortage. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with her focus on strategic technologies, is expected to be receptive to Team Mirai’s proposals, potentially fostering collaboration to modernize Japan through digital innovation.

(Source：Asia Times)