Japan Immigration News

Japan’s minority gov’t faces election setback over inflation, immigration

Release Date: 2025-07-19
Media: ALJAZEERA
Summary: Japan’s minority government, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is bracing for another setback in the Upper House election this weekend — the first national vote since Ishiba took office in 2024. Half of the 248 seats in the Upper House are being contested, and the ruling LDP–Komeito coalition must win 50 of 66 seats they’re defending to maintain their majority. However, polls suggest they are likely to fall short.

Economic issues — especially inflation and a sharp rise in rice prices — have fueled public dissatisfaction, helping opposition parties who promise tax cuts and increased welfare spending. Meanwhile, populist far-right party Sanseito, led by Sohei Kamiya, is gaining ground by capitalizing on anti-immigration sentiment and public frustration over over-tourism and cultural clashes.

Though immigrants still make up only around 3% of the population, Japan has accepted around 1 million foreign workers in the last three years due to labor shortages. Sanseito has mainstreamed nationalist rhetoric once confined to the fringes, accusing the government of failing to control immigration and preserve Japanese identity.

If the LDP suffers significant losses, Ishiba may be forced to expand the coalition or seek informal support from opposition parties. However, allying with far-right parties like Sanseito could damage the LDP’s centrist image. Analysts warn that a major defeat could even lead to Ishiba's resignation.

Amid this domestic uncertainty, Ishiba has also paused campaigning to negotiate urgently with U.S. officials over potential 25% tariffs proposed by Donald Trump, hoping to secure a trade deal before the August 1 deadline.
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