What is the background music heard at some Japan polling sites?
Question: Is background music played at all polling sites during elections in Japan?
Answer: Not at all sites, but some polling stations apparently play background music. During the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election in June, for instance, social media users posted on X (formerly Twitter) about hearing background music at polling locations. Checking with election administration committees, we found that certain polling sites also played music during House of Councillors elections.
Q: What kind of music is played?
A: Usually, classical or instrumental music without vocals is chosen. Examples include "The Blue Danube" and "Swan Lake."
Q: Why is classical music frequently used?
A: Classical music is in the public domain because its copyright protection period has expired, so organizers can use it freely. Additionally, classical music helps create a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
Q: Is J-Pop also played?
A: Some election administration committee collections include CDs featuring "easy listening" instrumental arrangements of J-pop songs. According to the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC), playing music in polling stations is allowed without special permission as long as the venue is noncommercial and admission is free. Such instrumental arrangements of popular Japanese songs might occasionally be used at polling stations.
Q: Are there polling sites without background music?
A: Most polling stations do not play background music. Music is usually played only in locations requiring atmosphere control, such as gyms where external noises could distract voters, or when specifically requested to help voters relax.
Q: Can any kind of song be used?
A: According to the administration division of the election department at Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, there are no specific guidelines or official announcements regarding background music at polling stations. However, music clearly associated with political parties or candidates must be avoided.
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