Far-Right Sanseito Party Rises in Japan Election

Far-Right Sanseito Party Rises in Japan Election \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Japan’s far-right Sanseito party won big in recent elections. Its “Japanese First” platform pushes anti-foreigner and anti-diversity policies. The party appeals to disillusioned voters and echoes Trump-style populism.

Quick Looks

• Sanseito gained 14 seats in Japan’s upper house, expanding its presence to 15 total.
• The party ran on a “Japanese First” agenda, calling for tighter immigration controls.
• Sohei Kamiya rejects alliances with traditional parties like the ruling LDP.
• Sanseito emerged from social media activism and anti-vaccine rhetoric during COVID-19.
• The party’s platform includes dismantling diversity and gender equality policies.
• Critics warn of rising xenophobia and nationalist rhetoric in Japanese politics.
• Sanseito’s popularity mirrors global far-right trends, including Trump-style populism.
• Kamiya has drawn backlash for sexist, antisemitic, and controversial imperial remarks.

Deep Look

Japan’s rising far-right populist force, the Sanseito party, made one of the biggest impacts in the recent upper house elections, securing 14 new seats and expanding its representation in the 248-member chamber to a total of 15. While still far behind the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Sanseito’s meteoric rise has captured national attention and sent ripples through Japan’s political establishment.

At the heart of Sanseito’s surge is its leader Sohei Kamiya, a former Self-Defense Force reservist and local politician, who has skillfully tapped into a discontented and economically anxious electorate through a blend of social media-driven populism, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and culture war themes that echo the politics of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Populism Rises Amid Political Discontent

The weekend election, while a blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling conservative coalition, was a landmark moment for Sanseito. Many of its new supporters are disillusioned voters—young and working-class citizens facing rising living costs, stagnant wages, and limited political alternatives. These frustrations translated into votes for Sanseito, which presented itself as a “Japanese First” alternative to the traditional parties, calling for tighter immigration rules, dismantling of gender equality programs, and more economic protectionism.

While Prime Minister Ishiba’s LDP still maintains a majority in the more powerful lower house, the gains made by Sanseito signal a growing appetite for far-right populist politics in Japan—something previously regarded as marginal in the country’s political mainstream.

Roots in Social Media and COVID-Era Discontent

Founded in 2020, Sanseito (meaning “Participate in Politics”) began as an online political movement, with Kamiya leveraging YouTube, Twitter, and other platforms to build a grassroots base. The party’s anti-establishment messaging resonated particularly during the pandemic, when Kamiya amplified anti-vaccine narratives and framed public health measures as government overreach. These themes gained traction in a climate of uncertainty and distrust.

Sanseito’s digital-first strategy helped it win seats in local assemblies and allowed Kamiya to secure a seat in the upper house in 2022, marking the party’s first entry into national politics. The October lower house elections that year added three more seats, further solidifying its foothold.

A Platform Rooted in Nationalism and Social Conservatism

Sanseito’s political message is anchored in a “Japanese First” doctrine, reminiscent of Trump’s “America First” policy. Kamiya and the party have advocated for the creation of a dedicated agency to oversee immigration and foreign residents, including tighter citizenship screening and excluding non-Japanese from public welfare programs.

During the campaign, Sanseito claimed that an influx of foreign workers has suppressed Japanese wages and placed a burden on the country’s welfare system—despite data showing that foreign residents constitute only about 3% of the population and contribute to tax and social security systems.

Critics, including human rights organizations and legal scholars, warn that Sanseito’s rhetoric promotes xenophobia, misinformation, and social division. Kamiya has also faced widespread condemnation for antisemitic remarks and calls for preserving Japan’s “ethnic purity.”

Controversial Remarks and Public Backlash

As the party gained prominence, so did scrutiny of its leader’s statements. Kamiya is known for his fiery speeches, often veering into sexist and extremist commentary. In a particularly controversial moment, he blamed gender equality policies for Japan’s declining birth rate and warned of social collapse unless traditional gender roles were restored.

His comments about the imperial family sparked outrage when he suggested that, in the absence of reforms to allow female succession, Japan might need to return to using concubines to maintain a male imperial line—a position that drew sharp criticism from all corners of the political spectrum.

These views, while widely criticized, have done little to blunt Sanseito’s momentum. If anything, they have helped to fuel its popularity among voters who feel alienated by Japan’s gradual social liberalization and global integration.

No Alliance with Traditional Powers—for Now

Despite the gains, Kamiya has rejected the idea of aligning with the ruling LDP or other mainstream parties. Instead, he has expressed openness to cooperating with newer political movements in Japan. According to political analysts, Kamiya is likely to wait for an opportunity to gain seats in the lower house, where more influence and legislative power are concentrated.

His long-term vision includes forming a multi-party populist coalition, similar to those seen in some European countries, to shift Japan’s political direction sharply to the right.

A Generational Shift and a Challenge to the Status Quo

Sanseito’s rise also reflects a broader generational shift. As younger voters, especially those disillusioned with Japan’s stagnant politics, gravitate toward alternative voices on social media, parties like Sanseito are finding fertile ground.

“Sanseito is still inexperienced, and whether it becomes a long-term force depends on its ability to turn rhetoric into policy,” said Izuru Makihara, a political science professor at the University of Tokyo. Speaking to NHK, he emphasized that while Sanseito’s appeal is real, its ability to govern and enact reforms remains untested.

Kamiya, for his part, continues to expand the party’s online footprint. Sanseito’s YouTube channel recently surged past 500,000 subscribers, dwarfing the LDP’s 140,000 and offering it a powerful communication tool to bypass mainstream media and connect directly with supporters.

A Reflection of Global Populist Trends

Sanseito’s political playbook closely mirrors that of Donald Trump and other populist leaders worldwide—anti-globalism, nationalism, anti-immigration policies, and a strongman leadership style. Kamiya openly admires Trump’s approach, saying during the campaign that “we share the same concern” about globalism and national sovereignty.

He has also praised Trump’s efforts to roll back decarbonization initiatives, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policies, and international trade agreements, presenting them as blueprints for Japanese policy.

In this sense, Sanseito represents not only a domestic political disruption but also Japan’s entry into the wave of right-wing populism sweeping across parts of Europe, North America, and Asia.

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