Among the effects of Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe's resignation is the triggering of another costly gubernatorial election. If past examples are any indication, the race to choose a successor will cost Tokyo taxpayers a whopping ¥5 billion.
When Naoki Inose, Masuzoe's immediate predecessor, quit in December 2013 over a scandal involving ¥50 million received as loans from the Tokushukai hospital chain, Tokyo was forced to squeeze out ¥4.9 billion in emergency funds for an election. Of that, about ¥4.6 billion was actually spent, an official from Tokyo's election management committee said.
Masuzoe's resignation is certain to result in similar costs, the official added.