Among the effects of Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe's resignation is the triggering of another costly gubernatorial election. If past examples are any indication, the race to choose a successor will cost Tokyo taxpayers a whopping ¥5 billion.
When Naoki Inose, Masuzoe's immediate predecessor, quit in December 2013 over a scandal involving ¥50 million received as loans from the Tokushukai hospital chain, Tokyo was forced to squeeze out ¥4.9 billion in emergency funds for an election. Of that, about ¥4.6 billion was actually spent, an official from Tokyo's election management committee said.
Masuzoe's resignation is certain to result in similar costs, the official added.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.