But in the current campaign for the election to the lower house of Parliament, "money politics" is as strong as ever.

Conventional wisdom holds that the public is appalled at Washington and disgusted with money politics.

They got there only because they embraced the system of big money politics and influence for sale culture which dominates both major parties.

There is an unfortunate taint of money politics surrounding the decision.

Many experts feel that despite public desire for an end to "money politics," change will be slow.

That is because what the Japanese call "money politics" is a deeply embedded and generally accepted fact of political life here.

Yet few here believe that any changes will strike at the heart of money politics.

But all that is money politics as usual.

"Of course, money politics is nothing new in Japan, so the question is why are all these revelations coming out now?"

Nonetheless, the compromise represents a historic chance to address the anger of ordinary Americans at big money politics.