Japan's right-wing conservative party, Sanseito, has emerged as a surprise contender in the current House of Councillors election, drawing significant attention with its populist "Japan First" platform. The party has capitalized on anti-immigration rhetoric, tax-cut promises, and expanded social welfare policies, successfully rallying voters discontented with economic struggles and globalization.
At a pre-election rally in Tokyo's Shiba Park last Saturday (July 19), Sanseito mobilized an estimated 20,000 supporters, underscoring its growing influence.
Party leader Sōhei Kamiya declared in his speech, "Our national strength is gradually eroding. Let us resist the overwhelming tide of globalization and build a world where everyone can truly live with peace of mind." He boasted about the party's rapid rise in popularity, even suggesting it could secure up to 15 seats. Kamiya also mocked critics, arguing that the party's surge in support was fueled by the fierce backlash against it.
Kamiya, a former supermarket manager and English teacher, gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic by spreading conspiracy theories about vaccines and global elites on YouTube. He openly admits that his political style is heavily inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Kamiya insists that Sanseito's "Japanese First" slogan is not meant to criticize or discriminate against foreigners but rather to challenge globalization.
"Japan's economy is stagnant, its population is shrinking, and national power is declining," he said. "Yet the ruling LDP and Komeito, along with the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, all support filling the gaps with foreign capital and labor. But we at Sanseito say no—this is wrong! Japan is the world's fourth-largest economy with 120 million people. Why should we rely on foreign investment? Why abandon measures to address the low birthrate while desperately importing foreign workers? The priorities are backwards!"
Kamiya's speech was met with enthusiastic cheers from supporters. However, due to the party's far-right stance, protesters also gathered at the rally, holding signs such as "Sanseito OUT," "No to Sanseito Nazis," and "I FIGHT RACISM." They jeered during candidate speeches, highlighting the polarized reactions to the party's rise.
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