Japan
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political contributions from (1) Foreign persons, (2) foreign entities, or (3) associations or any other organisations of which the majority of the members are foreign persons or entities are banned, with the exception of Japanese entities that have been listed on a Japanese stock exchange consecutively for five years or more. Source
Source: 第二十二条の五 何人も、外国人、外国法人又はその主たる構成員が外国人若しくは外国法人である団体その他の組織から、政治活動に関する寄附を受けてはならない。ただし、日本法人であつて、その発行する株式が金融商品取引所において五年以上継続して上場されているものがする寄附については、この限りでない。 Article 22-5 |
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Political contributions from (1) Foreign persons, (2) foreign entities, or (3) associations or any other organisations of which the majority of the members are foreign persons or entities are banned, with the exception of Japanese entities that have been listed on a Japanese stock exchange consecutively for five years or more. Source
Source: 第二十二条の五 何人も、外国人、外国法人又はその主たる構成員が外国人若しくは外国法人である団体その他の組織から、政治活動に関する寄附を受けてはならない。ただし、日本法人であつて、その発行する株式が金融商品取引所において五年以上継続して上場されているものがする寄附については、この限りでない。 Article 22-5 |
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Companies can make donations to political parties and political funding organizations. Source
Source: 第二十一条 会社、労働組合、職員団体その他の団体は、政党及び政治資金団体以外の者に対しては、政治活動に関する寄附をしてはならない。 Article 21 Companies, labor unions, professional associations, and other organizations shall not make donations related to political activities to any entity other than political parties and political funding organizations. |
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
No person shall make a contribution in connection with the political activities of a candidate for public office. Source
Source: 第二十一条の二 何人も、公職の候補者の政治活動に関して寄附をしてはならない。 Article 21-2 No person shall make a contribution in connection with the political activities of a candidate for public office. |
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
Labor unions can make donations to political parties and political funding organizations. Source
Source: 第二十一条 会社、労働組合、職員団体その他の団体は、政党及び政治資金団体以外の者に対しては、政治活動に関する寄附をしてはならない。 Article 21 Companies, labor unions, professional associations, and other organizations shall not make donations related to political activities to any entity other than political parties and political funding organizations. |
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
No person shall make a contribution in connection with the political activities of a candidate for public office. Source
Source: 第二十一条の二 何人も、公職の候補者の政治活動に関して寄附をしてはならない。 Article 21-2 No person shall make a contribution in connection with the political activities of a candidate for public office. |
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes, above certain threshold
Comment
Anonymous contributions are banned, with the exception of donations of 1,000 yen or less made to a political party or any political funding organization at a street location or at the venue of a publicly open speech or meeting. Source
Source: 第二十二条の六 何人も、本人の名義以外の名義又は匿名で、政治活動に関する寄附をしてはならない。 Article 22-6 1 No person shall make a donation related to political activities under any name other than their own or anonymously. |
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Anonymous contributions are banned. Source
Source: 第二十二条の六 何人も、本人の名義以外の名義又は匿名で、政治活動に関する寄附をしてはならない。 Article 22-6 1 No person shall make a donation related to political activities under any name other than their own or anonymously. |
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
A person with government contracts shall not contribute political funds in relation to an election. This ban applies to both candidates and parties. There is no provision that bans a person with government contracts from contributing political funds not in relation to an election. Source
Source: 第百九十九条 衆議院議員及び参議院議員の選挙に関しては国と、地方公共団体の議会の議員及び長の選挙に関しては当該地方公共団体と、請負その他特別の利益を伴う契約の当事者である者は、当該選挙に関し、寄附をしてはならない。 第二百条 ２ 何人も、選挙に関し、第百九十九条に規定する者から寄附を受けてはならない。 Article 199 Persons who are parties to contracts with national or local governments involving special benefits shall not make donations in connection with elections for members of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, or for members of the assemblies and heads of local governments. Article 200. 2. No person shall accept donations from persons prescribed in Article 199 in connection with an election. |
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
A person with government contracts shall not contribute political funds in relation to an election. This ban applies to both candidates and parties. There is no provision that bans a person with government contracts from contributing political funds not in relation to an election. Source
Source: 第百九十九条 衆議院議員及び参議院議員の選挙に関しては国と、地方公共団体の議会の議員及び長の選挙に関しては当該地方公共団体と、請負その他特別の利益を伴う契約の当事者である者は、当該選挙に関し、寄附をしてはならない。 第二百条 ２ 何人も、選挙に関し、第百九十九条に規定する者から寄附を受けてはならない。 Article 199 Persons who are parties to contracts with national or local governments involving special benefits shall not make donations in connection with elections for members of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors, or for members of the assemblies and heads of local governments. Article 200. 2. No person shall accept donations from persons prescribed in Article 199 in connection with an election. |
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Corporations with partial government ownership cannot make donations to political parties. Source
Source: 第二十二条の三 2 国から資本金、基本金その他これらに準ずるものの全部又は一部の出資又は拠出を受けている会社その他の法人は、政治活動に関する寄附をしてはならない。 Article 22-3 Corporations and other legal entities that receive all or part of their capital, basic funds, or other equivalent contributions from the state shall not make donations related to political activities. |
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Corporations with partial government ownership cannot make donations to political parties. Source
Source: 第二十二条の三 2 国から資本金、基本金その他これらに準ずるものの全部又は一部の出資又は拠出を受けている会社その他の法人は、政治活動に関する寄附をしてはならない。 Article 22-3 Corporations and other legal entities that receive all or part of their capital, basic funds, or other equivalent contributions from the state shall not make donations related to political activities. |
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Civil servants cannot solicit donations by taking advantage of their positions. A broadcaster should be required to be politically impartial. Source
Source: 第二十二条の九 国若しくは地方公共団体の公務員又は行政執行法人若しくは特定地方独立行政法人の職員で次に掲げるものは、その地位を利用して、政治活動に関する寄附を求め、若しくは受け、若しくは自己以外の者がする政治活動に関する寄附に関与し、又は政治資金パーティーに対価を支払つて参加することを求め、若しくは政治資金パーティーの対価の支払を受け、若しくは自己以外の者がするこれらの行為に関与してはならない。 Article 22-9 No public official of the national or local governments, or employee of an administrative enforcement corporation or specified local independent administrative corporation, shall, by taking advantage of their position, solicit or accept donations for political activities, participate in donations for political activities made by persons other than themselves, solicit participation in political fund-raising parties in exchange for payment, accept payment for participation in such parties, or participate in any of these acts performed by persons other than themselves. Source: 第四条 放送事業者は、国内放送及び内外放送の放送番組の編集に当たつては、次の各号の定めるところによらなければならない。 Article 4 Broadcasters shall comply with the following provisions when editing domestic broadcasts and domestic and international broadcast programs: |
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
There is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute each year. Source
Source: 第二十一条の三 政党及び政治資金団体に対してされる政治活動に関する寄附は、各年中において、次の各号の区分に応じ、当該各号に掲げる額を超えることができない。 Article 21-3. Donations made to political parties and political funding organizations for political activities shall not exceed the amounts listed in the following items for each year, according to the respective categories: |
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
A limit is 20 million yen (individuals); or 7.5 to 30 million yen (corporations, labor unions, and other organisations, depending on their sizes). Source
Source: 第二十一条の三 政党及び政治資金団体に対してされる政治活動に関する寄附は、各年中において、次の各号の区分に応じ、当該各号に掲げる額を超えることができない。 Article 21-3. Donations made to political parties and political funding organizations for political activities shall not exceed the amounts listed in the following items for each year, according to the respective categories: |
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election? |
Code
No, but limits for regular periods apply to campaign periods
Comment
There is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute each year, whether it is an election period or not. Source
Source: 第二十一条の三 政党及び政治資金団体に対してされる政治活動に関する寄附は、各年中において、次の各号の区分に応じ、当該各号に掲げる額を超えることができない。 Article 21-3. Donations made to political parties and political funding organizations for political activities shall not exceed the amounts listed in the following items for each year, according to the respective categories: |
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
A limit is 20 million yen (individuals); or 7.5 to 30 million yen (corporations, labor unions, and other organisations, depending on their sizes). Source
Source: 第二十一条の三 政党及び政治資金団体に対してされる政治活動に関する寄附は、各年中において、次の各号の区分に応じ、当該各号に掲げる額を超えることができない。 Article 21-3. Donations made to political parties and political funding organizations for political activities shall not exceed the amounts listed in the following items for each year, according to the respective categories: |
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate? |
Code
Yes, for both natural and legal persons
Comment
There is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate. While donations to candidates are restricted outside campaign periods (Art. 21-2), contributions made during permitted periods are subject to an annual limit of 1.5 million yen under Article 22 of the Political Funds Control Act. Source
Source: 第二十一条の二 何人も、公職の候補者の政治活動（選挙運動を除く。）に関して寄附をしてはならない。 第二十二条 個人のする政治活動に関する寄附は、各年中において、政党及び政治資金団体以外の同一の者に対しては、百五十万円を超えることができない。 Article 21-2 No person shall make a donation in connection with the political activities (excluding election campaigns) of a candidate for public office. Article 22 Contributions to an individual's political activities shall not exceed one million five hundred thousand yen per year to any single person other than a political party or political funding organization. |
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
A limit is 1.5 million yen per year. Source
Source: 第二十一条の二 何人も、公職の候補者の政治活動（選挙運動を除く。）に関して寄附をしてはならない。 第二十二条 個人のする政治活動に関する寄附は、各年中において、政党及び政治資金団体以外の同一の者に対しては、百五十万円を超えることができない。 Article 21-2 No person shall make a donation in connection with the political activities (excluding election campaigns) of a candidate for public office. Article 22 Contributions to an individual's political activities shall not exceed one million five hundred thousand yen per year to any single person other than a political party or political funding organization. |
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign? |
Code
No
Comment
The limit of 1.5 million yen does not apply to a candidate's own contribution. Source
Source: 第二十二条 ３ 前項の規定は、資金管理団体の届出をした公職の候補者が当該資金管理団体に対してする寄附及び遺贈によつてする寄附については、適用しない。 Article 22 3. The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to donations made by a candidate for public office who has filed a notification of a fund management organization to said fund management organization, or to donations made by bequest. |
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
A donation includes the provision of money, goods, and other services. A limit is 20 million yen (individuals); or 7.5 to 30 million yen (corporations, labor unions, and other organisations, depending on their sizes). Source
Source: 第四条 3 この法律において「寄附」とは、金銭、物品その他の財産上の利益の供与又は交付で、党費又は会費その他債務の履行としてされるもの以外のものをいう。 In this Act, “donation” means the provision or delivery of money, goods, or other property interests, excluding those made as payment of party dues, membership fees, or other debts. |
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
A donation includes the provision of money, goods, and other services. In-kind contributions are covered by the general annual limit of 1.5 million yen established in Article 22, since the definition of donation under Article 4 includes goods and services. Source
Source: 第四条 3 この法律において「寄附」とは、金銭、物品その他の財産上の利益の供与又は交付で、党費又は会費その他債務の履行としてされるもの以外のものをいう。 Article 4-3 In this Act, “donation” means the provision or delivery of money, goods, or other property interests, excluding those made as payment of party dues, membership fees, or other debts. |
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no provision prohibiting political parties from engaging in commercial activities. Implicitly, parties can engage in commercial activities, as political parties should report revenues from the publication of official journals and other business activities. Source
Source: 第九条 政治団体の会計責任者は、会計帳簿を備え、これに当該政治団体に係る次に掲げる事項を記載しなければならない。機関紙誌の発行その他の事業による収入については、その事業の種類並びに当該種類ごとの金額及び収入年月日 Article 9 The accounting officer of a political organization shall maintain accounting books and record therein the following matters pertaining to said political organization. Revenue from the publication of official journals and other business activities shall be categorized by type of activity, with the amount and date of receipt specified for each category. |
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
Both political parties and candidates should report detailed and itemized revenues, including borrowings. This implies that parties can take loans. Source
Source: 第九条 政治団体の会計責任者は、会計帳簿を備え、これに当該政治団体に係る次に掲げる事項を記載しなければならない。 Article 9 The accounting officer of a political organization shall maintain accounting books and record therein the following matters pertaining to said political organization. |
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
No
Comment
Both political parties and candidates should report detailed and itemized revenues, including borrowings. This implies that candidates can take loans. Source
Source: 第九条 政治団体の会計責任者は、会計帳簿を備え、これに当該政治団体に係る次に掲げる事項を記載しなければならない。 Article 9 The accounting officer of a political organization shall maintain accounting books and record therein the following matters pertaining to said political organization. |
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no provision prohibiting donors from participating in public tender/procurement processes. |
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
A donor should use a bank transfer if a donation is more than 1,000 yen. Source
Source: 第二十二条の六の二 何人も、政治資金団体の預金又は貯金の口座への振込みによることなく、政治資金団体に対して寄附をしてはならない。ただし、その金額が千円以下の寄附及び不動産の譲渡又は貸付け（地上権の設定を含む。）による寄附については、この限りでない。 Article 22-6-2 No person shall make a donation to a political funding organization without transferring funds into the organization's deposit or savings account. However, this shall not apply to donations of one thousand yen or less, or donations made through the transfer or lease of real property (including the establishment of surface rights). |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties? |
Code
Yes, regularly
Comment
Political parties receive subsidies from the government. Source
Source: 第三条 国は、この法律の定めるところにより、政党交付金の交付を受ける政党等に対する法人格の付与に関する法律第四条第一項の規定による法人である政党に対して、政党交付金を交付する。 Article 3. The State shall grant political party subsidies to political parties that are corporations as defined in Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Act on Granting Corporate Status to Political Parties, etc. that receive such subsidies, in accordance with the provisions of this Act. |
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Representation in elected body
Comment
Representation in elected body and share of votes in previous election both matter. A party should (1) have five or more members in the House of Representatives or the House of Councillors or (2) got more than 2% of the votes in the most recent national election. Source
Source: 第二条 この法律において「政党」とは、政治団体のうち、次の各号のいずれかに該当するものをいう。 Article 2. In this Act, “political party” means a political organization that falls under any of the following items: |
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding? |
Code
Proportional to votes received
Comment
proportional to votes received and proportional to seats received both matter. The total sum of subsidies is 250 yen times the population. A half of this amount is distributed to parties in proportion to their seats. Another half is distributed to parties in proportion to (1) the votes they got in the most recent House of Representatives election, (2) the votes they got in the most recent House of Councillors election, and (3) the votes they got in the House of Councillors election before that. Source
Source: 第七条 毎年分として各政党に対して交付すべき政党交付金の算定の基礎となる政党交付金の総額は、基準日における人口に二百五十円を乗じて得た額を基準として予算で定める。 Article 7. The total amount of political party subsidies to be delivered to each political party as the annual portion, which serves as the basis for calculating such subsidies, shall be determined in the budget based on the amount obtained by multiplying the population on the reference date by 250 yen. |
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no provision about how subsidies must be used. Source
Source: 第四条 国は、政党の政治活動の自由を尊重し、政党交付金の交付に当たっては、条件を付し、又はその使途について制限してはならない。 Article 4. The State shall respect the freedom of political activities of political parties and shall not impose conditions or restrictions on the use of funds when granting subsidies to political parties. |
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Yes
Comment
During an election period, broadcasters must broadcast the political views of candidates running for the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors for free. Source
Source: 第百五十条 衆議院議員又は参議院議員の選挙においては、それぞれ候補者届出政党又は参議院議員の候補者は、政令で定めるところにより、選挙運動の期間中日本放送協会及び基幹放送事業者のラジオ放送又はテレビジョン放送の放送設備により、公益のため、その政見を無料で放送することができる。この場合において、日本放送協会及び基幹放送事業者は、その録音し若しくは録画した政見又は次に掲げるものが録音し若しくは録画した政見をそのまま放送しなければならない。 Article 150. In elections for members of the House of Representatives or the House of Councillors, candidates of political parties filing nominations or candidates for the House of Councillors may, during the election campaign period and as prescribed by Cabinet Order, broadcast their political views free of charge for the public benefit using the radio or television broadcasting facilities of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation and core broadcasting operators. In such cases, NHK and the core broadcasting operators shall broadcast the recorded political views as they are, or the recorded political views as they are, as recorded by the following entities. |
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties? |
Code
Equal
Comment
There is no discrimination against political parties in terms of their access to the broadcasting of their political views. All eligible parties are granted the same free broadcasting opportunity under identical conditions. Source
Source: 第百五十条 衆議院議員又は参議院議員の選挙においては、それぞれ候補者届出政党又は参議院議員の候補者は、政令で定めるところにより、選挙運動の期間中日本放送協会及び基幹放送事業者のラジオ放送又はテレビジョン放送の放送設備により、公益のため、その政見を無料で放送することができる。この場合において、日本放送協会及び基幹放送事業者は、その録音し若しくは録画した政見又は次に掲げるものが録音し若しくは録画した政見をそのまま放送しなければならない。 Article 150. In elections for members of the House of Representatives or the House of Councillors, candidates of political parties filing nominations or candidates for the House of Councillors may, during the election campaign period and as prescribed by Cabinet Order, broadcast their political views free of charge for the public benefit using the radio or television broadcasting facilities of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation and core broadcasting operators. In such cases, NHK and the core broadcasting operators shall broadcast the recorded political views as they are, or the recorded political views as they are, as recorded by the following entities. |
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates? |
Code
Yes
Comment
During an election period, broadcasters must broadcast the political views of candidates running for the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors for free. Source
Source: 第百五十条 衆議院議員又は参議院議員の選挙においては、それぞれ候補者届出政党又は参議院議員の候補者は、政令で定めるところにより、選挙運動の期間中日本放送協会及び基幹放送事業者のラジオ放送又はテレビジョン放送の放送設備により、公益のため、その政見を無料で放送することができる。この場合において、日本放送協会及び基幹放送事業者は、その録音し若しくは録画した政見又は次に掲げるものが録音し若しくは録画した政見をそのまま放送しなければならない。 Article 150. In elections for members of the House of Representatives or the House of Councillors, candidates of political parties filing nominations or candidates for the House of Councillors may, during the election campaign period and as prescribed by Cabinet Order, broadcast their political views free of charge for the public benefit using the radio or television broadcasting facilities of the Japan Broadcasting Corporation and core broadcasting operators. In such cases, NHK and the core broadcasting operators shall broadcast the recorded political views as they are, or the recorded political views as they are, as recorded by the following entities. |
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Donors can deduct donations to parties or candidates from their taxes. Source
Source: 第三十二条の四 個人が政治活動に関する寄附をした場合において、当該寄附についてこの法律又は公職選挙法の規定による報告がされたときは、租税特別措置法で定めるところにより、当該個人に対する所得税の課税について特別の措置を講ずる。 Article 32-4 Where an individual makes a donation related to political activities and a report on such donation is made pursuant to the provisions of this Act or the Public Offices Election Act, special measures shall be taken with respect to the taxation of income tax on such individual as prescribed by the Special Taxation Measures Act. |
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no provision about gender equality. |
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties? |
Code
No
Comment
There is no provision about gender equality. |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Vote buying is a criminal offense. Source
Source: 第二百二十一条 次の各号に掲げる行為をした者は、三年以下の拘禁刑又は五十万円以下の罰金に処する。 Article 221. Any person who commits any of the following acts shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand yen: |
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend? |
Code
No
Comment
Even though there is a limit on the amount a candidate can spend for campaigning in a given district during an election period, this campaign spending limit does not apply to a party Source
Source: 第百九十四条 選挙運動に関する支出の金額は、公職の候補者一人につき、参議院（比例代表選出）議員の選挙にあつては政令で定める額を、その他の選挙にあつては次の各号の区分による数を当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める金額に乗じて得た額と当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める額とを合算した額を超えることができない。 Article 194. The amount of expenditures for election campaigns shall not exceed, for each candidate for public office, the sum of the following: (i) For elections of members of the House of Councillors (elected by proportional representation), the amount specified by Cabinet Order; (ii) For other elections, the sum of the following: the amount obtained by multiplying the number specified in the following subparagraphs by the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph; and the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph. |
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
Not applicable
Comment
There is no limit on the amount a political party can spend. |
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend? |
Code
Yes
Comment
There is a limit on the amount a political party can spend for campaigning in a given district during an election period. But this campaign spending limit does not apply to party activities not related to elections. Source
Source: 第百九十四条 選挙運動に関する支出の金額は、公職の候補者一人につき、参議院（比例代表選出）議員の選挙にあつては政令で定める額を、その他の選挙にあつては次の各号の区分による数を当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める金額に乗じて得た額と当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める額とを合算した額を超えることができない。 Article 194. The amount of expenditures for election campaigns shall not exceed, for each candidate for public office, the sum of the following: (i) For elections of members of the House of Councillors (elected by proportional representation), the amount specified by Cabinet Order; (ii) For other elections, the sum of the following: the amount obtained by multiplying the number specified in the following subparagraphs by the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph; and the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph. |
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit? |
Code
other
Comment
A limit is set at the number of registered voters times 15 yen plus 19.1 million yen for a candidate running for the House of Representatives elections. Source
Source: 第百九十四条 選挙運動に関する支出の金額は、公職の候補者一人につき、参議院（比例代表選出）議員の選挙にあつては政令で定める額を、その他の選挙にあつては次の各号の区分による数を当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める金額に乗じて得た額と当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める額とを合算した額を超えることができない。 Article 194. The amount of expenditures for election campaigns shall not exceed, for each candidate for public office, the sum of the following: (i) For elections of members of the House of Councillors (elected by proportional representation), the amount specified by Cabinet Order; (ii) For other elections, the sum of the following: the amount obtained by multiplying the number specified in the following subparagraphs by the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph; and the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph. |
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities? |
Code
Yes, spending limit for party/candidate includes spending by other on their behalf
Comment
Spending by a third party is regarded as a donation, or the provision of money, goods, or services. Therefore, the same provision for the limit on donations (as noted in 16 and 18) applies. Source
Source: 第四条 ３ この法律において「寄附」とは、金銭、物品その他の財産上の利益の供与又は交付で、党費又は会費その他債務の履行としてされるもの以外のものをいう。 Article 4. 3. In this Act, “donation” means the provision or delivery of money, goods, or other property interests, excluding those made as payment of party dues, membership fees, or other debts. |
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes, for political parties
Comment
yes, for political parties and yes, for candidates. There is a limit on how many times a party and a candidate can place election-related ads on newspapers. A candidate or party is banned from using broadcasters for election campaigning, except the free broadcasting (as noted in 34 above). Source
Source: 第百四十九条 衆議院（小選挙区選出）議員の選挙については、候補者は、総務省令で定めるところにより、同一寸法で、いずれか一の新聞に、選挙運動の期間中、五回を限り、選挙に関して広告をし、候補者届出政党は、総務省令で定めるところにより、当該都道府県における当該候補者届出政党の届出候補者の数に応じて総務省令で定める寸法で、いずれか一の新聞に、選挙運動の期間中、総務省令で定める回数を限り、選挙に関して広告をすることができる。 第百五十一条の五 何人も、この法律に規定する場合を除く外、放送設備を使用して、選挙運動のために放送をし又は放送をさせることができない。 Article 149. With respect to the election of members of the House of Representatives (elected from single-seat constituencies), candidates shall, in accordance with the provisions of an ordinance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, place advertisements concerning the election during the election campaign period, limited to five times, in one newspaper of their choice, using the same dimensions. Candidate-registered political parties may, in accordance with regulations established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, place election advertisements in any one newspaper during the election campaign period, limited to the number of times specified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, in the size specified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications according to the number of candidates registered by the candidate-registered political party in the relevant prefecture. Article 151-5. No person may use broadcasting facilities to broadcast or cause broadcasts to be made for the purpose of election campaigning, except as provided for in this Act. |
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns? |
Code
Yes, for candidates
Yes, for political parties
Comment
Parties and candidates to distribute documents and illustrations over the Internet. There is no limit on a the amount a party can spend. As for candidates, the costs for creating websites and maintaining servers should be included in the set spending limit. Source
Source: 第百四十二条の三 選挙運動のために使用する文書図画は、ウェブサイト等を利用する方法により、頒布することができる。 第百九十四条 選挙運動に関する支出の金額は、公職の候補者一人につき、参議院（比例代表選出）議員の選挙にあつては政令で定める額を、その他の選挙にあつては次の各号の区分による数を当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める金額に乗じて得た額と当該各号の区分に応じ政令で定める額とを合算した額を超えることができない。 Article 142-3 Documents and illustrations used for election campaigns may be distributed by means such as websites. Article 194. The amount of expenditures for election campaigns shall not exceed, for each candidate for public office, the sum of the following: (i) For elections of members of the House of Councillors (elected by proportional representation), the amount specified by Cabinet Order; (ii) For other elections, the sum of the following: the amount obtained by multiplying the number specified in the following subparagraphs by the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph; and the amount specified by Cabinet Order for each such subparagraph. |
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Parties and candidates are banned from buying online ads to display candidates' names. Source
Source: 第百四十二条の六 何人も、その者の行う選挙運動のための公職の候補者の氏名若しくは政党その他の政治団体の名称又はこれらのものが類推されるような事項を表示した広告を、有料で、インターネット等を利用する方法により頒布される文書図画に掲載させることができない。 Article 142-6 No person may cause advertisements displaying the name of a candidate for public office for whom that person is conducting an election campaign, or the name of a political party or other political organization, or any matter that could be inferred to be such a name or organization, to be placed in documents or illustrations distributed for a fee by means such as the Internet. |
| Question | Value |
|---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The treasurer of a political party should submit a report on income and expenditures annually. Source
Source: 第十二条 政治団体の会計責任者は、毎年十二月三十一日現在で、当該政治団体に係るその年における収入、支出その他の事項で次に掲げるものを記載した報告書を、その日の翌日から三月以内に、第六条第一項各号の区分に応じ当該各号に掲げる都道府県の選挙管理委員会又は総務大臣に提出しなければならない。 Article 12. The accounting officer of a political organization shall, within three months from the day following December 31 of each year, submit a report to the prefectural election administration commission or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, as specified in the respective items of Article 6, paragraph 1, based on the classification set forth in those items. This report shall detail the organization's income, expenditures, and other matters pertaining to that year as of December 31. |
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The Public Offices Election Act requires that the treasurer shall submit a report on income and expenditures. Source
Source: 第百八十九条 出納責任者は、公職の候補者の選挙運動に関しなされた寄附及びその他の収入並びに支出について、第百八十五条第一項各号に掲げる事項を記載した報告書を、前条第一項の領収書その他の支出を証すべき書面の写しを添付して、次の各号の定めるところにより、当該選挙に関する事務を管理する選挙管理委員会に提出しなければならない。 Article 189. The treasurer shall submit a report detailing the matters listed in each item of Article 185, paragraph 1, concerning donations and other income and expenditures made in connection with the election campaign of a candidate for public office, attaching copies of receipts and other documents evidencing expenditures as specified in the preceding Article, paragraph 1, to the election administration committee managing the affairs of the relevant election, in accordance with the provisions of the following items. |
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances? |
Code
Yes
Comment
The treasurer shall submit a report on income and expenditures on campaining. Source
Source: 第百八十九条 出納責任者は、公職の候補者の選挙運動に関しなされた寄附及びその他の収入並びに支出について、第百八十五条第一項各号に掲げる事項を記載した報告書を、前条第一項の領収書その他の支出を証すべき書面の写しを添付して、次の各号の定めるところにより、当該選挙に関する事務を管理する選挙管理委員会に提出しなければならない。 Article 189. The treasurer shall submit a report detailing the matters listed in each item of Article 185, paragraph 1, concerning donations and other income and expenditures made in connection with the election campaign of a candidate for public office, attaching copies of receipts and other documents evidencing expenditures as specified in the preceding Article, paragraph 1, to the election administration committee managing the affairs of the relevant election, in accordance with the provisions of the following items |
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances? |
Code
No
Comment
Spending by a third party is regarded as a donation, or the provision of money, goods, or services. Therefore, even though such third parties do not have to report election campaign finances, parties and candidates have to report third parties' spending made on behalf of them (as noted in 48 and 49). Source
Source: 第四条 ３ この法律において「寄附」とは、金銭、物品その他の財産上の利益の供与又は交付で、党費又は会費その他債務の履行としてされるもの以外のものをいう。 Article 4. 3. In this Act, “donation” means the provision or delivery of money, goods, or other property interests, excluding those made as payment of party dues, membership fees, or other debts. |
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Financial reports should be made public by election commissions. Source
Source: 第二十条 第十二条第一項又は第十七条第一項の規定による報告書を受理したときは、総務大臣又は都道府県の選挙管理委員会は、総務省令の定めるところにより、その要旨を公表しなければならない。この場合において、第十二条第一項の規定による報告書については、報告書の提出期限が延長される場合その他特別の事情がある場合を除き、当該報告書が提出された年の十一月三十日までに公表するものとする。 Article 20 Upon receiving a report pursuant to the provisions of Article 12, paragraph (1) or Article 17, paragraph (1), the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications or the prefectural election administration committee shall publish a summary thereof as prescribed by Ordinance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. In this case, with respect to reports pursuant to the provisions of Article 12, paragraph (1), such summary shall be published by November 30 of the year in which the report was submitted, except where the deadline for submission of the report is extended or other special circumstances exist. |
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors? |
Code
Sometimes
Comment
Financial reports should disclose the names of (1) those who donate more than 50,000 yen and (2) those who spend more than 200,000 yen in a fund-raising party. Source
Source: 第十二条 政治団体の会計責任者は、毎年十二月三十一日現在で、当該政治団体に係るその年における収入、支出その他の事項で次に掲げるものを記載した報告書を、その日の翌日から三月以内に、第六条第一項各号の区分に応じ当該各号に掲げる都道府県の選挙管理委員会又は総務大臣に提出しなければならない。 Article 12 The accounting officer of a political organization shall, within three months from the day following December 31 of each year, submit a report to the prefectural election administration committee or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, as specified in the respective items of Article 6, paragraph 1, based on the classification set forth in those items. This report shall include the following items pertaining to the organization's income, expenditures, and other matters for that year as of December 31: |
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Financial reports should include information on itemized income. Source
Source: 第十二条 政治団体の会計責任者は、毎年十二月三十一日現在で、当該政治団体に係るその年における収入、支出その他の事項で次に掲げるものを記載した報告書を、その日の翌日から三月以内に、第六条第一項各号の区分に応じ当該各号に掲げる都道府県の選挙管理委員会又は総務大臣に提出しなければならない。 Article 12 The accounting officer of a political organization shall, within three months from the day following December 31 of each year, submit a report to the prefectural election administration committee or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, as specified in the respective items of Article 6, paragraph 1, based on the classification set forth in those items. This report shall include the following items pertaining to the organization's income, expenditures, and other matters for that year as of December 31: |
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending? |
Code
Yes
Comment
Financial reports should include information on itemized spending. Source
Source: 第十二条 政治団体の会計責任者は、毎年十二月三十一日現在で、当該政治団体に係るその年における収入、支出その他の事項で次に掲げるものを記載した報告書を、その日の翌日から三月以内に、第六条第一項各号の区分に応じ当該各号に掲げる都道府県の選挙管理委員会又は総務大臣に提出しなければならない。 Article 12 The accounting officer of a political organization shall, within three months from the day following December 31 of each year, submit a report to the prefectural election administration committee or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, as specified in the respective items of Article 6, paragraph 1, based on the classification set forth in those items. This report shall include the following items pertaining to the organization's income, expenditures, and other matters for that year as of December 31: |
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates? |
Code
EMB
Comment
EMB, ministry, and auditing agency. Financial reports should be submitted to election commissions or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications. They should be also submitted to an auditing agency first. Source
Source: 第十二条 政治団体の会計責任者は、毎年十二月三十一日現在で、当該政治団体に係るその年における収入、支出その他の事項で次に掲げるものを記載した報告書を、その日の翌日から三月以内に、第六条第一項各号の区分に応じ当該各号に掲げる都道府県の選挙管理委員会又は総務大臣に提出しなければならない。 第十四条 政党又は政治資金団体の会計責任者は、第十二条第一項の規定による報告書を提出するときは、あらかじめ、当該政党又は政治資金団体の党則、規約その他これらに相当するものに基づいて設けられた会計監査を行うべき者に対し、当該報告書に係る会計帳簿、明細書及び領収書等についての監査意見を求め、当該監査意見を記載した書面を当該報告書に添付するものとする。 Article 12. The accounting officer of a political organization shall, within three months from the day following December 31 of each year, submit a report to the prefectural election administration commission or the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, as specified in the respective items of Article 6, paragraph 1, based on the classification set forth in those items. This report shall detail the organization's income, expenditures, and other matters pertaining to that year as of December 31. Article 14. When submitting a report pursuant to the provisions of Article 12, paragraph 1, the accounting officer of a political party or political funding organization shall, in advance, request an audit opinion from the person responsible for conducting the accounting audit established based on the party rules, bylaws, or other equivalent documents of said political party or political funding organization, regarding the accounting books, statements of details, receipts, and other documents pertaining to said report. The accounting officer shall attach a document containing said audit opinion to said report. |
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
EMB
Comment
EMB and ministry. The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and election commissions should check financial reports. Source
Source: 第三十一条 総務大臣又は都道府県の選挙管理委員会は、この法律の規定により提出された届出書類、報告書若しくはこれに添付し、若しくは併せて提出すべき書面に形式上の不備があり、又はこれらに記載すべき事項の記載が不十分であると認めるときは、当該報告書等を提出した者に対して、説明を求め、又は当該報告書等の訂正を命ずることができる。 Article 31. The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications or the prefectural election administration committee may, when it finds that any notification document, report, or any document required to be attached thereto or submitted together therewith under the provisions of this Act contains a formal deficiency or that the matters required to be stated therein are insufficiently stated, request an explanation from the person who submitted such report, etc., or order the correction of such report, etc. |
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations? |
Code
Request additional information from potential violator
Comment
If financial reports contain any errors, the Minister and election commission may request further information or order the treasurer to correct the reports. Source
Source: 第三十一条 総務大臣又は都道府県の選挙管理委員会は、この法律の規定により提出された届出書類、報告書若しくはこれに添付し、若しくは併せて提出すべき書面に形式上の不備があり、又はこれらに記載すべき事項の記載が不十分であると認めるときは、当該報告書等を提出した者に対して、説明を求め、又は当該報告書等の訂正を命ずることができる。 Article 31. The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications or the prefectural election administration committee may, when it finds that any notification document, report, or any document required to be attached thereto or submitted together therewith under the provisions of this Act contains a formal deficiency or that the matters required to be stated therein are insufficiently stated, request an explanation from the person who submitted such report, etc., or order the correction of such report, etc. |
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions? |
Code
Fines
Comment
fines, prison, forfeiture, loss of political rights, and loss of elected office. Those who engage in political finance infractions should be given fines and/or prison terms. Those sentenced to fines or prison terms shall be deprived of their political rights and elected offices. Benefits derived from illegal donations shall be confiscated. Source
Source: 第二十三条 政治団体が第八条の規定に違反して寄附を受け、又は支出をしたときは、当該政治団体の役職員又は構成員として当該違反行為をした者は、五年以下の拘禁刑又は百万円以下の罰金に処する。 第二十八条 第二十三条から第二十六条の五まで及び前条第二項の罪を犯し罰金の刑に処せられた者は、その裁判が確定した日から五年間、公職選挙法に規定する選挙権及び被選挙権を有しない。 第二十八条の二 第二十三条、第二十六条第三号、第二十六条の二第三号、第二十六条の三第二号及び第二十六条の四第三号の規定の違反行為により受けた寄附に係る財産上の利益は、没収する。 Article 23. When a political organization receives a donation or makes an expenditure in violation of the provisions of Article 8, any officer, employee, or member of said political organization who committed said violation shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine not exceeding one million yen. Article 28. Any person who commits an offense under Articles 23 through 26-5 or paragraph 2 of the preceding Article and is sentenced to a fine shall be deprived of the right to vote and the right to be elected as prescribed in the Public Offices Election Act for a period of five years from the date on which the judgment becomes final. Article 28-2 Property benefits derived from donations received as a result of violations of the provisions of Article 23, Article 26, item 3, Article 26-2, item 3, Article 26-3, item 2, and Article 26-4, item 3 shall be confiscated. |
