The article explores the underrepresentation of young people in political offices, particularly in Japan, where young candidates are significantly underrepresented. The authors conducted two survey experiments to investigate voter biases and stereotypes regarding candidate age. The first experiment tested hypotheses of youth discrimination and in-group favoritism, while the second experiment examined age stereotypes through assessments of candidate issue emphases, traits, and electability. Key findings include: - Voters strongly disliked older candidates but viewed younger and middle-aged candidates as equally favorable. - Young candidates were seen as less experienced but more likely to focus on policy issues such as education, childcare, climate change, anti-corruption measures, and multiculturalism. - Young voters showed a preference for their peers, suggesting that higher youth turnout could lead to greater youth representation. - Elderly candidates were universally panned, seen as the least competent, least likely to focus on policy issues, and least electable. The results challenge the notion that voter biases are the primary cause of youth underrepresentation in politics. Instead, the data suggest that voters are willing to support young candidates and that institutional barriers, such as age requirements, may be more significant factors. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind age biases and stereotypes, highlighting the need to reduce these barriers to encourage more young people to run for office.The article explores the underrepresentation of young people in political offices, particularly in Japan, where young candidates are significantly underrepresented. The authors conducted two survey experiments to investigate voter biases and stereotypes regarding candidate age. The first experiment tested hypotheses of youth discrimination and in-group favoritism, while the second experiment examined age stereotypes through assessments of candidate issue emphases, traits, and electability. Key findings include: - Voters strongly disliked older candidates but viewed younger and middle-aged candidates as equally favorable. - Young candidates were seen as less experienced but more likely to focus on policy issues such as education, childcare, climate change, anti-corruption measures, and multiculturalism. - Young voters showed a preference for their peers, suggesting that higher youth turnout could lead to greater youth representation. - Elderly candidates were universally panned, seen as the least competent, least likely to focus on policy issues, and least electable. The results challenge the notion that voter biases are the primary cause of youth underrepresentation in politics. Instead, the data suggest that voters are willing to support young candidates and that institutional barriers, such as age requirements, may be more significant factors. The study provides insights into the mechanisms behind age biases and stereotypes, highlighting the need to reduce these barriers to encourage more young people to run for office.