Anime That Critiqued Campaign Finance With One Arc

Political systems worldwide are heavily influenced by money, and anime often tackles this complex issue. Many series explore how wealth impacts elections and government decisions using fictional stories. These narratives critically examine the morality of lobbying and how power becomes concentrated among the rich. By showing the connection between money and politics, these shows encourage viewers to think about the real-world effects of campaign funding.

‘Gatchaman Crowds Insight’ (2015)

The second season of the show delves into the risks of democracy in the digital age, where technology can easily sway public opinion. A rising politician, Gelsadra, gains support by promising peace, using an app that oversimplifies important political choices. The story reveals that this comes at a price: people stop thinking for themselves and instead follow a collective mindset. This storyline critiques how quickly modern political movements can gain traction and funding through social media, often valuing popularity over meaningful discussion.

‘Psycho-Pass 3’ (2019)

Okay, so the third movie really dives into something new. It follows these two Inspectors trying to unravel this mysterious group called Bifrost right in the middle of a super important governor’s race. What’s really messed up is how the candidates are being controlled by this betting system – they’re calling it Roundrobin – and it basically turns the whole election into a stock market for Tokyo’s future. It’s a really unsettling look at how big corporations and secret investors can basically buy an election by funding specific results they want. It’s all about how automated systems and shady money can totally corrupt the political process and who ends up in power – seriously thought-provoking stuff.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans’ (2015–2017)

The second season of the series features a political storyline centered around the election for Prime Minister of the Arbrau region. The main characters, Tekkadan, become involved in the conflict between competing candidates who are using force and financial support to win. This part of the story highlights how powerful companies fund political figures to ensure policies that benefit them throughout the solar system. It demonstrates the dangers of private military companies influencing governments and potentially causing instability.

‘The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These’ (2018–2022)

This story explores the power struggles within the Free Planets Alliance, focusing on a leader, Job Trunicht, who uses persuasive language to stay in control. It reveals how those in power benefit from war and military spending, using it to maintain their positions during a difficult time. The series shows how democratic systems can be manipulated by groups that prioritize military funding over things like social programs. Ultimately, it demonstrates how political campaigns can be fueled by taking advantage of national concerns.

‘Eden of the East’ (2009)

The show centers on twelve people given ten billion yen and a special phone to try and save Japan from a national crisis. They essentially run their own private projects, using their wealth to test different solutions to societal problems. The story explores whether it’s right for a small group of rich people to decide the future of a country without public input, and questions if money alone can fix fundamental issues when held by the powerful.

‘Sanctuary’ (1996)

The story centers around two lifelong friends with a bold plan to change Japan. They decide to tackle the government and organized crime at the same time. One friend enters politics, while the other rises through the ranks of the yakuza, using the criminal organization’s wealth to fund the political campaign. The series explores how money and power are linked in politics, and how financial backing is often obtained – and used to maintain that power.

‘[C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control’ (2011)

This series takes place in a world where a nation’s financial health is secretly bought and sold. It centers on the fallout from manipulating the economy, as the Japanese government makes a deal with a shadowy organization to boost the country’s finances and avoid economic ruin. The story examines the real price of these interventions and how they threaten the nation’s political balance. Ultimately, it’s a critique of using borrowed money to create a false sense of wealth, and the consequences for future generations.

‘Log Horizon’ (2013–2021)

The third season centers around the election for Akiba’s new leader and the different ideas about how the city should be run. Shiroe has to deal with the complicated relationships between the guilds and their money. This storyline shows how important it is to share resources fairly and the risks of letting powerful groups control things with their wealth. It’s essentially a look at how political systems are built and why open and honest funding is so crucial.

‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ (2012–2014)

The Balbadd arc tells the story of a kingdom caught in a crippling debt to a powerful trading group. The prince fights to regain control of his country, but the ruling family is more interested in selling off their people’s rights to fund their extravagant lifestyle. The arc is a commentary on how powerful financial organizations can essentially buy control of a government and impose their own rules, highlighting the dangers of corporate power over a nation’s independence.

‘Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex’ (2002–2003)

This storyline delves into government corruption surrounding a groundbreaking drug for a debilitating brain disease. It shows how politicians and officials receive funding from pharmaceutical companies who then deliberately block more affordable treatments to increase their profits. The investigation reveals strong connections between company donations and laws designed to protect those companies’ interests. Ultimately, this plotline is a sharp criticism of how money in politics can jeopardize public health and safety.

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

This psychological thriller follows a dangerous web of extremist groups secretly financing a political movement aimed at installing a new leader in Germany. They use their wealth to conduct covert experiments and manipulate influential people, all to achieve their agenda. The series reveals how these groups subtly control a country’s political direction through hidden funding, offering a look at the connection between money and political campaigns.

‘The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED’ (2020)

Okay, so this show is seriously cool. It centers around a detective who’s unbelievably rich, and he basically solves crimes by just… buying his way through them. He throws money at information and gets all the best gear. But it’s not just a simple ‘case of the week’ type show. It really digs into how messed up the police force is, and how much power this detective’s family – who have serious money – actually has over everyone, including politicians. It’s fascinating to watch how much influence one incredibly wealthy person can have on the whole legal system and how easily money can sway things. It paints a pretty cynical picture, honestly, where your bank account can pretty much determine the outcome of anything.

Please share your thoughts on these political storylines in the comments.

2025-12-25 04:15