The old system is an anachronism that only serves the interests of the Diet members.
In Japan, a review of the document communication, transportation and accommodation expenses is currently underway.
Foolishly, the content of the review is being disputed as to whether it should be a daily payment or not, but the fundamental issue is the reason for its existence and the amount.
At the time of its establishment, the main means of communication were fixed-line telephones and telegrams (written documents), and in 1947 it was set up as a communication fee (125 yen) to support the activities of members of the Diet at a time when the lack of a bullet train meant that people had to travel by conventional train.
After several amendments, it was changed to the document communication and transportation expenses (1,000,000 yen) in 1993 and has remained as such up to the present.
3. History
1947: "Communication expenses" 125 yen
1963: "Communication and transportation expenses": 100,000 yen
1974: "Document communication and transportation expenses" 350,000 yen
Unknown: "Communication and transportation expenses" 750,000 yen
1993 (Heisei 5): "Document communication and transportation expenses" 1,000,000 yen
4. However, in view of the current situation where 4G and 5G internet infrastructure is available at low cost and unlimited use, and where aeroplanes and bullet trains (Tokaido, Sanyo, Tohoku, Joetsu, Yamagata, Akita, Hokuriku, Maintenance, Kyushu, Hokkaido, West Kyushu and Chuo (planned)) are becoming more plentiful and convenient for travel, the provision of 1 million yen per month is excessive.
In principle, the actual cost of document communication, transportation and accommodation should be paid, and the payment should be made after the approval of the request with receipts and activity reports.
Prof. PhD. & Dr. Kamuro, Associate Professor, California Institute of Technology, USA
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