Japan Immigration News

'Japanese First' party shakes up election with alarm over foreigners

Release Date: 2025-07-16
Media: Reuters
Summary: Sanseito, a rising far-right political party in Japan, is gaining support ahead of the upcoming upper house election by promoting anti-immigration rhetoric and a nationalist "Japanese First" agenda. Originally gaining traction during the COVID-19 pandemic via conspiracy-laden YouTube videos, the party has moved into the political mainstream, appealing to voters frustrated with Japan’s weak economy, inflation, and growing number of foreign residents.

Party leader Sohei Kamiya, inspired by Donald Trump, has capitalized on dissatisfaction with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Komeito. Although Sanseito is only expected to win 10–15 of the 125 seats, its influence is pressuring mainstream parties to adopt tougher immigration stances. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently launched a taskforce to address crimes by foreign nationals and pledged to eliminate illegal immigration.

Sanseito's base is mainly young men, but the party is trying to broaden its appeal by fielding female candidates. Despite backlash over past controversial remarks — including criticism of gender equality — Kamiya is attempting to soften the party’s image while maintaining its nationalist core. The party's strong online presence, including a YouTube channel with over 400,000 subscribers, suggests it may have lasting political influence.
Tags: Immigration Policy

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