"The establishment of political ethics is fundamental to parliamentary politics," states the code of political ethics approved by the Diet in 1985. "We must conduct ourselves with integrity and strive to eradicate political corruption."
Scandals that have hit the headlines recently reveal a common pattern: A former private secretary to an influential parliamentarian approaches public officials in connection with a lucrative public works project and receives money from a successful bidder in return for helping to arrange a contract.
This is a sad reminder that collusion between politics and money is deeply embedded in Japan's political climate. Clearly the current law that penalizes politicians (and official secretaries to Diet members) for using influence for gain has loopholes. Its wholesale review is urgently needed.