Annoying or background noise? Japan’s sound trucks on full blast at election time

In Japan, political campaigning often involves sound trucks that drive through neighborhoods, broadcasting a candidate's name and party affiliation at high volumes. These white vans, adorned with party flags and logos, are staffed by volunteers who wave at passersby. The vehicles are equipped with powerful sound systems that repeatedly announce the candidate's name. With frequent elections at both the national and local levels, these sound trucks are a common and often disruptive presence in Japanese cities. The purpose of these trucks is to promote candidates in the lead-up to elections, such as the upcoming Diet election. This method of campaigning is a distinctive feature of Japanese politics.

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