A former National Democratic Party candidate has been arrested on vote-buying charges following her unsuccessful campaign in Tokyo's 7th electoral district during the recent House of Representatives election, according to NHK. The Metropolitan Police Department arrested the 63-year-old candidate on February 20, 2026, for allegedly paying cash to a university student in exchange for campaign activities, including distributing flyers. The arrest represents a serious violation of Japan's Public Offices Election Law, which strictly prohibits any form of vote buying or improper payment to campaign workers. According to reports from NHK and Livedoor News, three individuals were arrested in connection with the case, including the candidate herself and campaign workers involved in the alleged scheme. The incident occurred during the recent House of Representatives election, where the candidate ran unsuccessfully in Tokyo's 7th district under the National Democratic Party banner. Tokyo's 7th district covers areas including Nakano and Suginami wards, home to significant numbers of both Japanese citizens and foreign residents. The candidate allegedly provided cash payments to at least one university student who participated in campaign activities such as distributing promotional materials. Japan's election laws are among the strictest in the world, with severe penalties for violations. The Public Offices Election Law explicitly prohibits providing money, goods, or entertainment to voters or campaign workers beyond legally prescribed allowances. Campaign staff can receive legitimate compensation, but payments must be properly documented and fall within legal limits. The law aims to prevent wealthy candidates from gaining unfair advantages and to maintain the integrity of democratic processes. For foreign residents living in Japan, this case serves as an important reminder of the country's stringent electoral regulations. While permanent residents and some long-term visa holders can vote in local elections, all residents should understand that Japan takes election law violations extremely seriously. Even seemingly minor infractions can result in criminal charges, and foreigners convicted of election law violations could face deportation in addition to criminal penalties. The National Democratic Party has not yet issued a comprehensive public statement regarding the arrest. Political parties in Japan typically distance themselves from candidates involved in election scandals, and party leadership may face questions about their vetting and oversight processes. The incident could impact public perception of the party, particularly as it seeks to expand its influence in national politics. This arrest follows a pattern of election law enforcement in Japan, where authorities actively investigate and prosecute suspected violations. The Metropolitan Police Department maintains specialized units dedicated to monitoring election activities and investigating complaints. In recent years, several politicians across various parties have faced similar charges, demonstrating that enforcement applies regardless of political affiliation. For expats working on political campaigns or considering involvement in Japanese electoral politics, this case underscores the critical importance of understanding legal requirements. Foreign residents who hold permanent resident status and wish to participate in local elections—either as voters or volunteers—should thoroughly research applicable laws and consult with legal experts before engaging in any campaign activities. The accused candidate now faces potential imprisonment and fines if convicted. Under Japanese law, vote-buying convictions can result in prison sentences of up to three years and fines up to 500,000 yen. Additionally, convicted individuals lose their right to run for public office for a specified period, effectively ending political careers. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of strict compliance with Japan's election laws. As investigations continue, authorities may uncover additional violations or implicate other individuals. The case will likely proceed through Japan's judicial system over the coming months, with outcomes closely watched by political observers and legal experts alike.