The Influence of the Media on Security Attitudes regarding the Ukraine Crisis －Analysis of Public Opinion for the 2022 House of Councilors Election Based on a Super Learner

<p>    Amid the sharp depreciation of the yen, soaring prices of energy, food, and other necessities brought about by the Ukraine crisis and sanctions against Russia, and an increase in the national burden rate, the people’s impoverishment has only just begun. In addition, conflicts over the North Sea fishery and Sakhalin II have made the public aware of the vulnerability of energy and food security. This recognition, coupled with an increase in the operating rate of thermal power plants that use fossil fuels in response to rising demand for electricity due in part to global warming, has rekindled the debate over the pros and cons of nuclear power generation. On the other hand, with regard to defense issues, China and Russia are increasing military and economic pressure on Japan in cooperation amid ongoing tensions with neighboring countries that have territorial and historical disputes. In particular, China’s threat to Taiwan and the Sakishima Islands is increasing while the West, which supports Ukraine, is reducing its ability to deal with China. Russia’s military focus on the Northern Territories in light of the melting of the Arctic Ocean due to climate change also poses a threat.</p><p>    Perceptions of the utility of security, which are difficult to realize on a day-to-day basis, depend heavily on the media. Thus, perception of the cost of enhanced security also depends on the media. It follows that "Cognitive Warfare" depends on the verification of the media’s influence on the above two perceptions. Therefore, based on the campaign period system in which the media report on the election in accordance with the Public Offices Election Act and related regulations of their industries and companies, we examine the effects of media usage during the 2022 House of Councillors election period on the changes in voters’ political consciousness, especially with regard to security, before and after the election period.</p>