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The Japanese election held over the weekend saw a relatively new politcal party ending up the big victor.
The Japanese election held over the weekend saw a relatively new politcal party ending up the big victor.
What is happening?
The far-right Sanseito party made a stunning leap in Japan’s upper house elections, securing 14 new seats. Previously holding just one seat in the 248-member chamber,
Sanseito surged forward with a populist message centered on anti-immigration rhetoric, economic promises, and nationalist sentiment.
From YouTube Conspiracy Theories to National Politics
According to Reuters, Sanseito’s origins trace back to the pandemic era, where it gained traction online by spreading vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories about global elites.
From there, it built momentum, turning digital influence into real-world political capital with a “Japanese First” campaign.
A Softened Nationalist Message
Party leader Sohei Kamiya clarified that “Japanese First” wasn’t about mass deportation or isolationism, but about resisting globalism to prioritize domestic livelihoods.
Ruling party Falters as Populism Gains Ground
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito lost their upper house majority, compounding their previous lower house defeat.
Analysts see Sanseito’s rise as more indicative of LDP weakness than widespread support for far-right ideology.
Voters More Worried About Rice Than Immigration
In polls ahead of the election, voters ranked social security, the declining birthrate, and soaring rice prices above immigration.
Despite this, Sanseito’s anti-immigrant stance caught fire with segments of the public, frustrated by economic stagnation and rising costs of living.
Economic Anxiety Fuels Anti-Foreign Sentiment
Japan’s yen has weakened, and inbound tourism has driven up prices, leaving many locals feeling the squeeze.
Sanseito tapped into this discontent, tying economic frustration to the growing number of foreign residents—now at a record 3.8 million, or about 3% of the population.
A Populist Leader Inspired by Trump and Europe’s Right
Kamiya, a former supermarket manager and English teacher, has openly admired Donald Trump’s boldness.
He also draws comparisons to Europe’s populist right, pledging to work with small parties rather than align with the long-dominant LDP.
Shifting the Political Conversation on Immigration
Sanseito’s pressure has already nudged the LDP to the right. Just before the vote, the government announced a task force targeting crimes by foreigners and vowed to aim for “zero illegal foreigners”—a stark shift in tone reflective of Sanseito’s growing influence.
Gender Policies Spark Controversy, Followed by a PR Pivot
Kamiya faced backlash for criticizing gender equality policies, suggesting they discouraged women from having children.
To broaden appeal and soften his image, he promoted female candidates—one of whom, singer Saya, won a seat in Tokyo.
Online Influence Gives Sanseito a Lasting Edge
Unlike many traditional parties, Sanseito boasts a massive online presence. Its YouTube channel has 400,000 followers—triple the LDP’s. Kamiya sees the upper house success as a starting point, setting sights on 50–60 seats to bring the party’s policies to fruition.
