Japan's general account budget for fiscal 2010 is some ¥92 trillion. In addition to this, Japan has 18 special accounts that are almost unknown to the public. Funds for these accounts to manage specific programs in such fields as public works and social insurance amount to some ¥176 trillion. Movement of the funds is complex and outside checks are difficult. Some programs of questionable necessity have been maintained.
The Kan administration's Government Revitalization Unit on Tuesday started a new round of budget screening, targeting 48 programs in eight special accounts. The first screening was held in November 2009, two months after the Democratic Party of Japan came to power. People can physically see the screening process, which is also streamed live on the Internet.
Contrary to the cynical view of the screening as a political show, the screening has helped increase government transparency. On the first day of the new round, the screening unit concluded that the trade reinsurance special account (trade ministry's jurisdiction) and five labor-policy related programs should be abolished.