Does the Difference in Voting Power between Younger and Older Japanese Affect Public Assistance for Education?

Abstract

This paper empirically analyzes whether political conflicts of interest between younger(from 20 to 39 years old)and older (over 65 years old) voters in Japan affects the level of public financial assistance apportioned to education for financially challenged students. The results of the analysis show that a clear relative advantage of older over younger voters due to comparative voting power leads to decreased levels of assistance for school supplies and lunch fees for public elementary and junior high school students, and decreased tuition subsidies for private high school students.