The news talks about the disturbance caused by the omnipresent election campaign cars in Japan as students are trying to focus on their exams. The amplified announcements from these mobile billboards have been causing considerable stress for the students. The timing, which coincides with the intense study period during the exam season, adds to the stress. Local residents and affected students are calling for a remedy to this noise pollution issue.

During the election season in Japan, politicians canvass neighborhoods in special vehicles outfitted with loudspeakers, loudly repeating their names and campaign slogans. These activities, however, coincide with the examination period when students require a quiet environment for studying. The matter, which involves the values of respecting societal quietude and protecting students’ rights, is sparking a vigorous debate across Japan.

In the US or EU, there are sets of regulations to control noise pollution. Setting decibel limits, specifying timings for public address announcements, or imposing restrictions on the types of permissible campaigning activities are examples of such regulations. The issue of noise disturbance due to political canvassing is not as pronounced as in Japan.