Japan’s governing coalition has lost its upper house majority following elections that saw major gains for the far-right Sanseito party. The party, which only holds three seats in the more powerful lower house, has broken into the political mainstream by capitalizing on voter frustration over economic decline and rising living costs.
Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, a 47-year-old former English teacher and supermarket manager, has stirred controversy with conspiracy theories about vaccines and “globalist elites” and openly credits US President Donald Trump’s “bold political style” as inspiration.
The party’s “Japanese First” slogan is meant to express rebuilding Japanese people’s livelihoods by resisting globalism. Kamiya defended this stance, saying, “The phrase was meant to express rebuilding Japanese people’s livelihoods by resisting globalism. I am not saying we should completely ban foreigners or that every foreigner should get out of Japan.”
Despite denying accusations of xenophobia, Sanseito built its platform on nationalist appeals and fears of a “silent invasion” by immigrants. According to NHK polling, just 7% of respondents considered immigration their main concern, while far more voters expressed anxiety over the country’s declining birthrate and rising food prices, particularly rice, which has doubled in cost over the past year.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s coalition won 47 seats in the 248-seat House of Councillors, three short of the 50 needed to retain control of the upper chamber. Ishiba “solemnly” accepted the “harsh result” and intends to stay on as prime minister despite the poor result. “It’s a difficult situation, and we have to take it very humbly and seriously,” Ishiba said.
The Sanseito party’s surge has sparked critical questions about Japan’s future direction amid demographic and economic challenges. Joshua Walker, president of the US-based Japan Society, notes that the buzz around Sanseito stems from its populist and anti-foreign message, but it’s also a reflection of the LDP’s weakness.
Sanseito’s breakthrough in Japan’s upper house elections shines a spotlight on the complexities of nationalism in an increasingly interconnected world. As Japan wrestles with demographic decline, economic pressures, and social change, the party’s growth prompts critical questions: How will Japan balance its need for foreign workers with rising protectionist sentiment? Can political discourse remain open and constructive in the face of populist movements?
The party’s highly successful digital outreach, boasting a YouTube following three times larger than the LDP’s, underscores the power of social media in shaping Japan’s political discourse going forward. Sanseito plans to follow the example of Europe’s emerging populist parties by building alliances with other small parties rather than working with the LDP administration.