The koenkai mobilized voters and raised funds for local LDP candidates. In turn, party policy committees, called zoku, represented the concerns of special interests. Campaign-finance reforms, including new, transparent accountability rules and strict spending limits, could end this vicious cycle. A move away from districts that are represented by more than one parliamentarian might reduce opportunities for graft. With powerful constituencies within the LDP backing market-opening measures, comprehensive reforms can be implemented.
Most Japanese economists accept that deregulation is the best means to promote sustained growth.
Through liberalization, especially of labour laws, greater competitiveness and efficiency can be achieved. New business start-ups and jobs would result. Many Japanese have recognized the need for such reforms since as far back as 1993. However, the political and administrative apparatus of the LDP blocked any attempt at liberalization. But the Japan of today is not that of 1993.