Share article
Copy article hyperlink
Print article
Japan held elections for its higher home, the House of Councillors, on July 20. The vote proved a problem for the conservative ruling Liberal Democratic social gathering (LDP), which has been reeling from corruption scandals, rising costs and US tariffs on Japanese exports.
The ruling coalition, composed of the LDP and its junior accomplice, Kmeit, misplaced its majority in the home. While the centre-left Constitutional Democratic social gathering maintained its place as the biggest opposition group, the breakout success of the election was that of Sanseit, an ultranationalist populist social gathering.
Sanseit efficiently framed immigration as a central concern within the election marketing campaign, with the provocative slogan “Japanese First”. The social gathering received 14 seats within the 248-seat chamber, a considerable soar from the one seat it received within the final election in 2022.
Sanseit calls itself a celebration of “ordinary Japanese citizens with the same mindset who came together”. It was shaped in 2020 by Shei Kamiya, a conservative profession politician who served as a metropolis councillor in Suita, a metropolis in Osaka Prefecture, earlier than being elected to the House of Councillors.
Although Sanseit was initially identified for its stance towards the COVID-19 vaccine, it has extra lately campaigned on an anti-foreigner and anti-immigration platform. The social gathering, which additionally holds three seats within the highly effective decrease home, has rapidly gained seats in regional and nationwide elections. It most lately received three seats in Tokyo’s prefectural elections in June 2025.
Sanseit is “anti-globalist”, urging voters to really feel pleased with their ethnicity and tradition. Polls recommend the social gathering is well-liked amongst youthful males aged between 18 and 30.
Throughout the newest election marketing campaign, Kamiya repeatedly unfold far-right conspiracy theories and misinformation. This included arguing multinational companies precipitated the pandemic, in addition to that foreigners commit crimes en masse and might keep away from paying inheritance tax. Social media has amplified Sanseit’s xenophobic messaging.
Sanseit’s electoral success is paying homage to different right-wing populist events throughout Europe and North America, which additionally place immigration as a core concern.
Kamiya denies being a xenophobe. But he has expressed help for the Republican social gathering within the US, Reform within the UK, Alternativ fr Deutschland in Germany and Rassemblement National in France. Echoing different right-wing populist leaders, Kamiya has promised tax cuts, home-grown industries, regulation of foreigners and patriotic training.
However, whereas Sanseit rides the worldwide wave of right-wing populism, it additionally has deeply Japanese roots. Following Japan’s defeat within the second world struggle, a definite present of right-wing thought developed, defending “traditional values” and glorifying Japan’s imperial previous.
Tensions have flared periodically over points corresponding to historical past training and official visits to Yasukuni Shrine, the place those that died in service of Japan – together with navy leaders convicted of struggle crimes – are commemorated. There have additionally been disputes across the memorialisation of so-called “comfort women”, who have been pressured into intercourse slavery by Japanese forces earlier than and throughout the struggle.
Building on these currents, Sanseit represents a brand new era of Japanese conservatism, not simply an emulation of overseas populist leaders.
Sanseit’s rise might have a pivotal affect on Japan’s political panorama. While the prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has indicated he won’t resign, the ruling coalition has now misplaced management of each homes. Ishiba may have to hunt help from different events and should face management challenges.
He additionally should reply to points Sanseit has raised. LDP policymakers at the moment are conscious of public anxieties surrounding migration, extreme tourism and cultural integration. Seeking to co-opt a few of Sanseit’s proposals, the federal government has already banned vacationers from driving and arrange a brand new authorities company to handle issues about non-Japanese nationals. It has additionally pledged to cut back unlawful immigration to zero.
But the federal government is going through steep financial and demographic challenges, corresponding to US tariffs, a quickly ageing and declining inhabitants, and a record-low start charge. So it can not afford to chop immigration dramatically. Policymakers should stability financial wants with hardening public attitudes in direction of foreigners.
It’s not simply immigration that shall be at stake. Ishiba might want to navigate wedge points that might break up the LDP’s conservative help base. These embrace same-sex marriage, the usage of separate surnames by married {couples}, and feminine succession to the throne.
It’s too early to say whether or not Sanseit can maintain its momentum. Numerous populist leaders in Japan earlier than Kamiya have succeeded in turning distrust of the political class into votes on the poll field. However, few have been in a position to translate it into significant political change throughout a number of election cycles.
For occasion, Shinji Ishimaru made headlines in 2024 after putting second within the race for Tokyo governor. But his Path to Reform social gathering, which promised instructional reform, struggled within the newest election. Reiwa Shinsengumi, the left populist social gathering led by Tar Yamamoto, additionally loved success in earlier elections however stays small.
Only time will inform if Sanseit will develop into a significant political social gathering or yet one more minority group on the fringes. But it is clear anti-immigration populism has arrived in Japan. And it appears to be like prefer it’s right here to remain.