In a startling turn of Japan’s political tide, the fringe nationalist party Sanseito has emerged from obscurity to claim 14 seats in the upper house, up from just one seat in 2022. This dramatic surge in support reflects growing public discontent over immigration, economic stagnation, and disenchantment with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanseito first gained attention through viral anti-vaccine and anti-globalist videos. But its popularity has since been fuelled by a fiercely nationalist “Japanese First” agenda, echoing rhetoric reminiscent of Donald Trump’s populism. Party leader Sohei Kamiya, a former LDP member, openly credits Trump’s style for shaping his political messaging and has warned against Japan becoming a “colony” under foreign influence.
This weekend’s election results underscore a growing fracture in Japan’s conservative base, traditionally loyal to the LDP. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s moderate leadership has failed to energize voters, who are now gravitating toward hardline alternatives like Sanseito. Analysts argue that Ishiba lacks the strong nationalist views of former PM Shinzo Abe, particularly on historical revisionism and China policy—factors that have alienated the party’s right-wing base.
Sanseito’s rise also taps into public frustration over Japan’s record-high immigration and tourism numbers. Despite foreigners comprising just 3% of the population, anti-immigrant sentiment is rising amid claims of cultural erosion and economic pressure. While the government has attempted to address these concerns, its last-minute formation of a new immigration committee appears reactionary.
Although Sanseito remains limited in legislative power, its ideological momentum marks a notable shift in Japanese politics—ushering in the era of right-wing populism that many once believed Japan would never experience.
