From live music to mahjong parties, there is no end to how lawmakers' political support groups try to court votes.

The resignation Monday of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi over concerts arranged for voters has increased attention on the practice, but it is widespread — and usually within the law.

Obuchi's money scandal surfaced last week, after the weekly Shukan Shincho carried an article over shady and possibly illegal spending by one of her two support groups