On Nov. 5, the Tokyo District Court sentenced Muneo Suzuki, a former Lower House member of the Liberal Democratic Party, to two years in prison for bribery, misreporting donations and perjury. Suzuki, who once served as state minister in charge of development in Hokkaido, was a key member of the LDP's largest faction, which was headed until recently by former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.

Suzuki represented the politics of pork and patronage in more ways than one. Not only did he use political power for personal gain; he also exerted influence on government bureaucrats so that his favorite businesses were awarded lucrative contracts. In return, he received bribes from those firms.

Meanwhile, Hashimoto allegedly received a 100 million yen secret donation from the Japan Dentists Federation while he was chairman of the LDP faction. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kanezo Muraoka -- who was the faction's acting chairman while Hashimoto was ill -- and a few other men have been indicted. No action has been taken against Hashimoto.