‘Japanese First’: The Deep Roots of the Rising Far Right
JAPAN, JUL 21 – Sanseito's nationalist platform capitalized on economic anxiety and anti-foreigner sentiment to become the third-largest opposition party, winning 14 seats in Japan's upper house election.
- Japan’s far-right Sanseito party, led by Sohei Kamiya, won a historic 14 seats in the July 20, 2025, upper house election in Tokyo.
- The party’s rise reflects voter dissatisfaction with the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party, amid concerns about inflation, immigration, and foreign policy tensions.
- Sanseito campaigns on a nationalist "Japanese First" platform inspired by Donald Trump, advocating tougher immigration controls, increased defense spending, and conservative social policies.
- Experts note Sanseito’s use of social media helped attract young voters, but also caution the party may struggle to fulfill its promises and could encourage broader acceptance of xenophobic rhetoric.
- The election result weakens the LDP’s majority, forcing it to negotiate with opposition parties and signaling a possible reshaping of Japan’s political future.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Japan has hardly any immigration – but this politician succeeds with anti-foreign paroles.
‘Japanese First’: The deep roots of the rising far right
Japan’s far-right Sanseito party won a record number of seats in the country’s recent upper-house elections, stripping the ruling party of its majority and cementing itself as an outspoken voice against immigration. The “Japanese First” group, which first came to prominence with its strident opposition to Covid-19 health measures, takes inspiration directly from far-right political forces abroad – including France’s National Rally and US Preside…
The electoral breakthrough of a small nationalist-inspired party, Sanseito, shakes traditional Japanese parties
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