ABSTRACT
Part of the LDP’s support base is comprised of numerous partner organisations of many types. Aside from the trade unions, most organisations involved in politics support the LDP. This results from the pork barrel politics practiced under the party’s long period in power. The LDP’s relationship with its partner organisations loosened following the neoliberal reforms of the Koizumi government and the establishment of the DPJ government, but later with the LDP’s return to power and Abenomics, relations have been restored somewhat. However, looking at various data, the ability of partner organisations to gather votes and money is lessening. Religious organisations, such as Association of Shintō Shrines, are no exception to this. Also, the Keidanren, which has stood against pork barrel politics, is still trying to find its way as it facilitates of donation of political funds to the LDP.
