Japan: Anti-immigration Sanseito Celebrates Historic Election Victory

The Sanseito Party was able to increase its number of seats in the Tokyo parliament from one to 14 in the recent upper house election. The party is also represented in the lower house with three representatives. With its platform, which promises tax cuts, increased social spending, and a more restrictive migration policy, Sanseito appears to be striking a chord with many voters. Its warning against a “silent invasion” by migrants is particularly resonating.

Although Sanseitō was initially known for its stance against the COVID-19 vaccine, it has more recently campaigned on an anti-foreigner and anti-immigration platform.

Party leader Sohei Kamiya explained the principles of his movement in a Nippon Television interview: “The phrase ‘Japan First’ should express that we want to rebuild the livelihoods of the Japanese people by resisting globalism. I am not saying that we should ban foreigners completely or that all foreigners should leave Japan.” At the same time, however, Kamiya pointed to a change in mood: “We were criticized as xenophobic and discriminatory. But the public has realized that the media was wrong and Sanseito was right.”

Polls suggest the party is popular among younger men aged between 18 and 30.

For Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), however, the election represents a bitter blow. After losing its majority in the lower house in October, the LDP must now increasingly engage with opposition parties in the upper house as well.

Interestingly, the issue of migration played only a minor role in NHK polls before the election, with seven percent mentions. More important to citizens were social security (29%) and rising travel costs (28%). Nevertheless, the government responded shortly before the election by announcing a “task force” to combat “crime and disorderly conduct” by foreigners.

In the run-up to the election, Kamiya acknowledged his support for role models from abroad. He has expressed support for President Trump’s Republican party in the US, Reform in the UK, AfD in Germany and the Rassemblement National in France.

Kamiya ruled out cooperation with the LDP and instead announced his intention to align himself with successful European models.

The rise of the party, which initially attracted attention primarily through YouTube videos and social media, reflects the mood in Japan. Economic uncertainty, inflation, and the influx of foreigners (currently 3.8 million foreign-born residents, 3 percent of the population) fueled by the weak yen create a climate in which Sanseito’s messages are heard.

Kamiya is confident: “We are growing step by step and fulfilling people’s expectations. If we build a solid organization and secure 50 or 60 seats, our political demands will finally become reality.”