Key Facts
• July 20, 2025: Upper House election highlights ‘money in politics’ concerns.
• 2022 Kanagawa election: Average candidate spending was approximately ¥8.77 million.
• Spending ranged from ¥320,000 to ¥30.27 million, a 100-fold difference.
• Top spending categories: Advertising (¥3.89 million) and printing (¥2.32 million).
• Other costs: Office rent (¥820,000) and labor (¥430,000).
• 7 candidates spent over ¥10 million; 5 of them won.
• Winning candidates averaged ¥21.54 million in spending, 4x more than losers.
• Spending cap in Kanagawa: ¥59.25 million; winners spent 20–50% of this limit.
• Expert: Financial resources significantly influence election outcomes.
Summary
An analysis of the 2022 Upper House election in Kanagawa revealed a strong correlation between campaign spending and election outcomes. Candidates who won spent an average of ¥21.54 million, over four times the ¥5.01 million average of those who lost. Advertising and printing costs dominated expenditures, with some candidates allocating funds for unique items like good-luck charms and supplies to endure the campaign. Seven candidates spent over ¥10 million, and five of them secured victory. The spending cap in Kanagawa was ¥59.25 million, with winners utilizing 20–50% of this limit. Experts suggest that financial resources play a significant role in determining election results, raising questions about the influence of money in politics.
