Teen Regime: Is it the Future of Politics?
Japan is never failed to amuse me. they always came up with topics that happening in society, one of them is the involvement of youngsters in the political world.
If you heard the news, Japan is currently in a midst of a population crisis. According to the latest data, the total population of Japan is 125,502,000, people. a 0.51% decrease from the previous year.
Another unfortunate fact is that youngsters in Japan tend to avoid politics or show some interest in it. The phenomenon like, BLM and young activists such as Greta Thurnberg at least spark the spirit for a better democracy among youths.
So, what is the perfect platform to spark those “sleeping” spirits? The answer is through entertainment no? So far political drama in Japan is heavily one-sided, taking the perspective of those who work in the government office or uncovering the scandal within.
But, what if taking the point of view of someone from the younger age group becomes the center? A mere high school student that all of sudden has to lead an “AI-Based region” project?
17才の帝国, or Teen Regime is a drama that depicts a 17 years old student named Maki Aran (portrayed by Kamio Fuju) who is chosen to lead an experimental region in Aonami.
The region is called UTOPI-AI, an experimental region that sets up by Prime Minister Washida (portrayed by Emoto Akira) to break free of the stagnation and prove that Japan can be a rising country again.
Utilize AI as the backbone of the whole government. The leaders and their members are chosen using the data collected, and the AI chose Maki to lead the region. The project goal is simple, can an AI-selected leader lead a city full of adults?
The project is handled and overseen by Kiyoshi Taira (portrayed by Hoshino Gen), the deputy secretary of Washida. His job is to ensure that Maki and the cabinet run the city smoothly without any crazy policies that could harm the political structures.
Well, let’s imagine this. An inexperienced youngster has to deal with real-world politics where hierarchy is inseparable, relying on technology to create policies. A young man with such great ideals to create a better world but too naive to understand that politics isn’t as simple as in the book.
Tried to not give some spoilers, but one of the interesting things is when Maki tried to get rid of the political structures that have been built for ages. Disband the city council and rely fully on the hands of citizens and AI to build the policies
Is there any rejection? Of course, especially from those who sat on the government body. The old government worker and politicians whose positions are in jeopardy.
We all know that politics run by those old generations are very tight with corruption and nepotism, not only in Japan but around the globe. But we shall consider those who worked as civil servants, those who were impacted by the corrupted policies created by those politicians.
Regardless of that, we must not overlook that when we deal with AI or any sort of technology, there will be a moment when the technology can be corrupted or went rogue.
Just like the previous part, old generation politicians sometimes cannot take the fact, that when a young leader came up with a solution for its citizens and work better than them, they tend to do anything possible to get rid of them. yes, including from within.
And then, here’s another question. Can a young cabinet filled with ambitions and ideals actually solve the problem and lead to a better region/world? The answer depends on who is leading them.
Nevertheless, the future of politics in this drama is apparent. Sooner or later we could end up in this situation, like it or not. With the power of social media and the internet, the younger generation starting to realize that
If we want to change, we need to start it ourselves.
