Japan’s Far-Right Populist Surge: The Rise of Sanseito and Its ‘Japanese First’ Agenda
Japan’s political landscape is witnessing a notable shakeup as the far-right populist Sanseito party made a surprisingly strong showing in the recent upper house election. With a bold “Japanese First” platform that mixes nationalist rhetoric with a hardline stance on immigration, gender policies, and diversity, Sanseito managed to expand its representation significantly. This surge is stirring both interest and concern inside Japan and beyond.
Who is Sanseito and How Did They Get Here?
Sanseito—which literally means “Participate in Politics”—is a relatively new player on the scene. It was founded in 2020 by Sohei Kamiya, a former Self-Defense Force reservist turned politician who started the movement by rallying people on YouTube and social media. Kamiya’s strategy was to tap into the frustrations of voters who felt alienated by Japan’s conventional parties, particularly amid ongoing economic challenges and social changes.
The party’s growth has been swift. After initially winning seats in local assemblies, they broke into national politics when Kamiya himself secured a six-year term in the upper house in 2022. Fast forward to the recent election, Sanseito added 14 seats to its existing single seat in the 248-member upper house. While that still pales compared to the dominant 122 seats held by the long-governing conservative coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, it’s a clear signal that Sanseito is resonating with a sizable chunk of the electorate.
What’s especially impressive is their online presence: Sanseito has gained nearly half a million YouTube subscribers in recent weeks, vastly overshadowing the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) 140,000. This digital savvy has given them a megaphone to spread their messages far and wide, particularly among younger and more digitally engaged voters.
The “Japanese First” Platform: Tough Talk on Foreigners and More
Sanseito’s “Japanese First” slogan is strikingly reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach. Under this banner, the party pushes for strict immigration controls, proposing a new government agency solely dedicated to regulating foreigners in Japan. They call for tougher citizenship screening and want to exclude non-Japanese residents from welfare benefits—a controversial stance that critics argue fuels xenophobia.
During the campaign, Sanseito capitalized on fears about Japan’s changing demographic makeup. Many voters are worried about the impact of increasing foreign workers, whom the party claims are depressing wages and overusing social benefits. Though these claims have been widely disputed by experts pointing out that foreigners make up only about 3% of the population and welfare recipients, the rhetoric has struck a chord with a significant base of voters.
The Controversy Around Sanseito’s Policies
It’s not just the immigration policies that have raised eyebrows. Sanseito opposes gender equality and LGBTQ+ diversity initiatives, rolling back years of social progress. Kamiya has been vocal about his belief that Japan’s gender equality policies are contributing to the country’s declining birthrate—a hot-button issue in Japan’s aging society.
In fact, he sparked outrage with comments about the imperial succession. Opposed to allowing a female-line emperor, Kamiya controversially suggested the imperial family might have to revert to using concubines if succession rules weren’t secured promptly. These remarks alarmed many and triggered protests, alongside concerns from human rights activists over the party’s xenophobic and antisemitic overtones.
Economic Discontent and a Frustrated Electorate
Sanseito’s rise is also part of a broader trend in Japan’s political scene—one that includes a growing sense of disenchantment among workers who feel overlooked by the traditional political elites. Alongside Sanseito, the Democratic Party for the People gained ground by promising wage increases and policies targeted at ordinary workers struggling with stagnant incomes and inflation.
This dynamic reflects a new wave of political engagement driven largely by younger voters and social media activism. According to University of Tokyo politics professor Izuru Makihara, these emerging parties could reshape Japan’s political landscape if they manage to turn their grassroots momentum into real policy wins.
Sohei Kamiya: The Man Behind the Movement
Sohei Kamiya is an interesting figure. Before entering politics, he served as a reservist in Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and was a local assembly member in Suita, a town in western Japan. Kamiya has cultivated a fiery reputation for stirring controversy, combining anti-vaccine views with a strong anti-globalism message.
During the election campaign, he openly praised Trump’s leadership style, admiring the former U.S. president’s “bold measures” to protect national interests. Kamiya sees parallels between the growing anti-globalism movements in the West and his own political agenda, embracing policies that push back against decarbonization efforts and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
What’s Next for Sanseito?
Despite their gains in the upper house, Sanseito still holds a relatively small slice of Japan’s parliament, and Kamiya has made it clear he’s not interested in cozying up to traditional power players like the LDP anytime soon. Instead, he’s reportedly open to collaborating with other emerging parties and hopes to win more seats in the upcoming lower house elections.
His goal? To build a multi-party coalition reminiscent of some European governments, potentially reshaping the power dynamics in Tokyo. However, political analysts caution that Sanseito’s future success hinges on whether its elected officials can actually deliver on their promises and transition from protest politics to effective governance.
Why This Matters
Japan has long been known for its political stability and consensus-driven culture. But the recent surge of Sanseito signals a shift toward more populist, nationalist, and divisive politics. It’s a reflection of deeper social tensions—economic anxiety, demographic challenges, and cultural identity concerns—that many countries around the world are grappling with.
For those watching from abroad, Japan’s political developments serve as a reminder that no democracy is immune to the global wave of populism, digital mobilization, and challenges to established political orders.
Quick Takeaways: Sanseito’s Rise in a Nutshell
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Founded in 2020 via YouTube and social media outreach by Sohei Kamiya.
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Expanded from local assemblies to national politics with 15 upper house seats now.
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“Japanese First” platform calls for stricter immigration controls and curtailment of gender/diversity policies.
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Anti-foreigner rhetoric taps into economic and cultural anxieties but is criticized for fueling xenophobia.
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Strong online presence with nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers, outpacing the ruling LDP.
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Admiration for Trump’s policies, including anti-globalism and rollback of DEI initiatives.
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Controversial remarks on imperial succession and population decline.
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Plans to avoid alliances with traditional parties, aiming for a multi-party coalition.
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Represents a growing frustration among workers feeling ignored by mainstream politics.
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Future success depends on translating popularity into policy achievements.
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