The article titled “The rise of the far-right ‘Japanese First’ party” discusses the emergence of the Sanseito party in Japan, which has capitalized on growing nationalist sentiments and anxiety over immigration. Sanseito, whose recent electoral success marks a noteworthy shift in the political landscape of Japan, has surged from being a minor party to one of significant influence following the elections where it gained 14 seats in the upper house, a loud indication of shifting voter tendencies in Japan.
Established in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanseito initially gained traction by promoting conspiracy theories through popular platforms like YouTube. The party’s popularity has quickly evolved to encompass a distinct nationalist agenda, alarmingly dubbed “Japanese First,” which frames immigration as a silent invasion of foreign influences detrimental to Japan’s culture and integrity. The increase in foreign residents and an uptick in tourism have played a critical role in shaping these sentiments, resulting in a climate where nationalist rhetoric finds fertile ground.
Under the leadership of Sohei Kamiya, a former member of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Sanseito has emerged as a representative voice for many disenchanted voters who feel that the LDP has strayed from its conservative roots. Kamiya’s remarks have sparked considerable reactions, including assertions that Japan could become a “colony” if it fails to resist foreign pressures. Such statements resonate with a segment of the populace that is increasingly frustrated with rising immigration numbers, which, as reported, climbed to a historic high of 3.8 million at the end of 2024. Despite constituting only 3% of the population, this demographic trend has stirred public debate on what it means to be Japanese in a rapidly diversifying context.
The article details how the LDP’s response to growing immigration concerns has fallen flat, with recent policies appearing inadequate to soothe the mounting fears within society. The creation of a new government committee intended to facilitate “harmonious coexistence” with foreigners was deemed too little, too late. Discontent connected to immigration fears has historically found expression in anti-immigrant rhetoric, often exacerbated during economic downturns as seen in modern Japanese society.
Sanseito’s rise has exposed significant ideological rifts in Japan’s political culture, particularly as voters seek alternatives that align more closely with their nationalist and conservative values. Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer in Japanese Studies, notes that voters are increasingly frustrated by the LDP’s perceived inability to safeguard traditional national values, particularly in the face of economic challenges and shifting social norms.
As for Sohei Kamiya, his increasing visibility and controversial statements have established him as a key figure in the nationalist narrative. His assertion that policies promoting gender equality are detrimental reflects a more extensive ideological confrontation with contemporary social movements. Furthermore, he aims for his party to secure a parliamentary majority moving forward, indicating aspirations of broader political influence.
However, the article also cautions that despite their recent surge, these populist movements have historically struggled to solidify their presence in Japanese politics, as the electorate remains notoriously fickle. It depicts a potential trajectory for the future where economic woes and social anxieties could further catalyze support for fringe parties, like Sanseito, yet reminds readers of the volatility that accompanies such populist sentiments. In conclusion, the rise of Sanseito amid Japan’s political transformation signals not only a shift toward nationalism but raises questions about the future of immigration and cultural identity in the country. As traditional parties grapple with these dynamics, the trajectory of the Japanese political framework remains uncertain yet compellingly intertwined with the relevance of such movements.
