Another day, another political funds scandal for another Cabinet minister. But people watching should ask: why now, so suddenly?

The drama — some would call it a farce — has involved ministers appointed after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reshuffled his team on Sept. 3.

In just two weeks, four ministers, most notably industry minister Yuko Obuchi, have suffered allegations of significant financial irregularities, and a fifth minister was accused of violating the election campaign law. Two of them, including Obuchi, were forced to resign.