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'Japanese First' party gains ground with anti-immigration rhetoric and economic
The Sanseito party, a far-right political movement that began on YouTube, has emerged as a surprising force in Japan’s latest upper house elections, drawing national attention with its hardline stance on immigration and populist economic pledges.
Campaigning under the slogan "Japanese First," the party surged in popularity by promoting fears of what it calls a "silent invasion" of immigrants. The party also proposed tax cuts and expanded welfare spending — a platform that resonated with many voters seeking alternatives to Japan’s traditional political class.
Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanseito gained early traction through online content that included conspiracy theories about vaccines and global elites. Despite its fringe origins, the party has tapped into a growing nationalist sentiment and distrust in mainstream media and institutions.
On Sunday, Sanseito won several new seats in the upper house, a notable breakthrough for a group that had long been dismissed as a fringe player. Its leaders now aim to expand their presence in the lower house and become a permanent fixture in Japanese politics.
Party leader Sohei Kamiya, a former chiropractor and YouTuber, told supporters in Tokyo that Sanseito would "protect Japan’s identity and traditions" while advocating for “economic reforms that benefit the people.”
Analysts say the rise of Sanseito reflects broader global trends, where far-right parties are gaining traction among disillusioned voters. With Japan’s aging population, stagnant wages, and rising cost of living, voters may be more open to alternative voices — even those once considered extreme.