Vitality.Swiss | “Make Your Own Initiative” in Hiroo

The Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo High School, hosted a school exchange project in June 2024. On two occasions, members of the Embassy of Switzerland visited the school to introduce Switzerland’s culture and political system as well as simulate its popular initiative process. The project aimed to deepen students’ understanding of political participation by having them experience the process themselves.

“Make Your Own Initiative” in Hiroo image

Direct democracy is a defining feature of the Swiss political system, allowing citizens to express their opinions on federal government decisions and to propose amendments to the Swiss Constitution. The opportunity for broad participation in politics is very important for a federal state of large linguistic and cultural diversity. Since 1848, the opportunities for political participation have been expanded on the Federal and local level, and various measures have made it possible to include as many societal groups as possible, which has become an important political feature for Switzerland.

The “Make Your Own Initiative” project was implemented together with Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo High School in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, with the aim of deepening students’ understanding of political participation through constructive discussions and learning about Switzerland and its political system by learning about and experiencing initiatives (popular initiative), which are the pillars of direct democracy. The “Make Your Own Initiative” project was a team effort from the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan and Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo High School.

Over 200 first-year high school students from Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo High School engaged in a simulation of Switzerland’s popular initiative process, which took place over 2 sessions. Following the first visit on June 5 to introduce Swiss culture and the political system by members of the Embassy including our Deputy Head of Mission, David Braun, four members returned on June 26 for the second phase of the “Make Your Own Initiative” project.

During the second session, participants explored the advantages and disadvantages of their chosen initiative, “Promote a work style reform; make Wednesday a holiday. ” Representatives from each group presented their opinions and reasoning in front of the whole group. Following the presentations, a vote was conducted on the proposed initiative, concluding with a reflective commentary.

Although the concept of popular initiative initially seemed unfamiliar to the students, they actively exchanged opinions from various perspectives, engaged in constructive debates, and contemplated potential societal impacts if the initiative were to be adopted.

Click below to read the feedback sent by the students after the project.

1. From participating in the initiative, I realized the significance of not just relying on my own viewpoint but also considering the perspectives of others.

2. Even though not all initiatives come to fruition, I see this process as a positive way for us to collectively brainstorm and collaborate on a common issue.

3. Engaging in discussions enabled us to break free from stereotypes and generate new opinions.

4. Through this workshop, we acquired the ability to convey our own opinions effectively and to accept the opinions of others.

5. The class format was intriguing as it was a brand new format for us. It offered a valuable learning experience, especially regarding its implications for Japan’s future.

6. By exchanging ideas with my classmates, I gained insights that I wouldn’t have gained on my own.

7. Assessing the advantages and disadvantages, each person has the autonomy to decide their own path. Thus, I was once again reminded of the diversity within our society.

8. It was my first time learning about the concept of an Initiative.

9. I was reminded of how crucial it is to view things from different perspectives.

10. During our group discussion, a representative from the embassy joined us, leading to a pleasant and engaging conversation.

A big thank you to the students and teachers of Hiroo High School for their participation and cooperation!

“Make Your Own Initiative Project”

Approximately 160 students from Kojimachi Junior High School experienced the Popular Initiative, a Pillar of Switzerland’s Direct Democracy