Rise of the Far-Right: The Emergence of Japan’s ‘Japanese First’ Party
For three years, Sanseito, a once marginal opposition party in Japan, has made a remarkable leap in the political landscape, securing 14 seats in the recent upper house election. Founded in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the party gained traction through controversial YouTube videos promoting conspiracy theories about vaccinations. Its platform has evolved to emphasize a nationalist agenda, warning against what it describes as a “silent invasion” of foreigners. This surge in popularity reflects a growing unease among the Japanese populace regarding immigration and overtourism, issues that the ruling government has also recently sought to address.
Understanding the ‘Japanese First’ Policy
Sanseito’s rise can be traced back to its early days in 2020 when it gained attention for its anti-vaccine and anti-masking rhetoric. The party’s first significant electoral success came in 2022 when it won a seat in the upper house, positioning itself as an “anti-globalist” entity. Supporters at its rallies often spoke of a world dominated by a conspiracy of globalists and financial elites. In the latest election, Sanseito campaigned on populist promises, including tax cuts and increased child benefits, but its most notable stance has been its “Japanese First” policy, which rallies against immigration. Sohei Kamiya, the party leader, has openly cited inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump, adopting a bold political style that resonates with many young conservatives online. This shift in voter sentiment has drawn support away from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), particularly as dissatisfaction grows with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s leadership amid economic challenges and rising living costs.
Sohei Kamiya: The Face of Sanseito
Sohei Kamiya, 47, has a complex political history, having once been affiliated with the long-dominant LDP. Despite losing a race in 2012, he founded Sanseito in March 2020 and became the party’s sole representative in the upper house in 2022. Kamiya’s political rhetoric has been heavily influenced by Trump, as he criticizes the political and financial elite for compromising Japan’s sovereignty. He has warned that without resistance to foreign influence, Japan risks becoming a “colony.” His controversial views have sparked backlash, particularly regarding gender equality policies, which he claims discourage childbirth. Following the recent election, Kamiya expressed ambitions to secure 50 to 60 seats in future elections, aiming to bring his party’s policies to fruition. He has also attempted to clarify that his nationalist stance is not intended to completely exclude foreigners from Japan.
The Immigration Debate in Japan
Japan is currently experiencing a significant increase in its foreign population, which reached a record 3.8 million by the end of 2024, accounting for only 3% of the total population. This rise has been accompanied by a surge in tourism, with approximately 36.9 million visitors recorded last year. Sanseito has capitalized on the growing public concern over immigration, attributing the influx to the ruling LDP’s policies. The party’s anti-immigration rhetoric has gained traction, particularly in light of economic challenges that often exacerbate public sentiment against foreigners. Instances of perceived misconduct by tourists have further fueled these sentiments, leading to a belief that immigration poses a significant problem. While Japan has historically been cautious about immigration, recent demographic shifts have prompted the government to relax immigration laws to address labor shortages. However, the public’s frustration over rising crime and inflation has intensified, leading to the establishment of a new committee aimed at fostering harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals. Despite these efforts, Sanseito’s electoral success may indicate a significant shift in Japan’s political landscape, suggesting that the rise of a populist right is becoming a reality in the country.
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