Japanese political parties are increasingly pivoting to internet-based financing methods, such as crowdfunding, to modernize their revenue streams. The emerging populist group Sanseito, known for its “Japanese First” platform, raised approximately 197 million yen ($1.3 million) from over 8,000 individuals during its July House of Councillors campaign. This figure more than doubled the amount collected during the previous year’s election. Party officials attribute this success to the accessibility of the platform, which gives donors a sense of participation, often incentivized by small gifts like towels and umbrellas. Similarly, the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) raised around 72 million yen for the same election, capitalizing on the popularity of its leader, Yuichiro Tamaki, who is known as the “YouTuber of Nagatacho.”
Despite the financial success, experts are raising concerns about the lack of oversight for digital fundraising. Currently, there are no specific regulations regarding how internet-based funds should be reported, leading to inconsistencies. For instance, the anti-establishment party Reiwa Shinsengumi reported 16 million yen in YouTube advertising revenue, whereas the DPP claims its videos are not monetized. Legal scholars, such as Professor Masahito Tadano of Hitotsubashi University, argue that new rules are urgently needed to ensure transparency, as the casual and convenient nature of crowdfunding blurs the lines between standard transactions and political donations.