Japanese First’ Party Emerges as Election Force in Japan
Tokyo (Reuters): The Sanseito party, a once fringe, far-right movement, has become a growing force in the most recent upper house elections, sending a shockwave through Japan's political system. The party's quick ascent has generated fierce discussion among lawmakers and the general public due to its audacious agenda, which is centered on nationalism, immigration control, tax reform, and welfare growth.
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| Japanese First’ Party Emerges as Election Force in Japan |
A New Voice in Japanese Politics
The Sanseito party, translated as “Party of Sanity” or “The Third Option,” was established in 2020 and has since appealed to a segment of the population disillusioned with mainstream politics. What began as an internet-based movement driven by conservative influencers and former bureaucrats has now turned into a political faction with serious momentum.
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| New Voice in Japanese Politics |
In the recent upper house elections, the Sanseito party gained a significant number of votes, enough to secure representation for the first time. While it remains a minority player, its success reflects growing public concern over Japan’s immigration policies, cultural identity, and economic stagnation.
Core Ideologies: Nationalism and Reform
At the heart of Sanseito's platform is a message of “Japan for the Japanese.” The party calls for:
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Stricter immigration laws to preserve what it sees as Japan’s unique cultural heritage.
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Lower taxes for small businesses and middle-income families.
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Increased welfare spending, especially targeted at Japanese citizens and the elderly.
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Constitutional reform, including a revision of Article 9 to allow Japan to have a more assertive military role.
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| Japan is losing its identity |
Such views appeal to voters who believe Japan is losing its identity in the face of globalization, aging demographics, and increasing foreign labor presence.
Critics Sound the Alarm
However, the party’s meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed — and certainly not unchallenged. Critics, including mainstream politicians and human rights groups, have labeled Sanseito’s rhetoric as xenophobic and dangerous.
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| scapegoating immigrants |
"While Japan must address economic and social challenges, scapegoating immigrants is not the solution,” says Professor Hiroshi Sato, a political analyst at Tokyo University. “Their rise reflects voter frustration, but it also signals deeper issues of inequality, alienation, and cultural anxiety.”
What Is Driving Support?
Several factors explain the Sanseito party’s sudden popularity:
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Disillusionment with Establishment Parties: Many voters see the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as too slow in reforming Japan’s aging economic model. Meanwhile, opposition parties often lack cohesion and direction.
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Digital Outreach: Sanseito has expertly used YouTube, TikTok, and social media platforms to reach younger, politically disengaged audiences with short, emotive messages.
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Pandemic Frustration: COVID-19 exposed gaps in Japan’s health and welfare systems. Sanseito capitalized on this by offering bold policy alternatives.
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| Election Results and the Path Forward |
Election Results and the Path Forward
In the July upper house election, Sanseito did not win a large number of seats, but their impact was disproportionately significant. The party’s candidates won nearly 1 million votes nationwide, far exceeding expectations. Their success in Tokyo and Osaka, in particular, indicates urban anxiety about immigration and job security.
Going forward, political experts believe the party may focus on local elections to build grassroots support. If it continues to grow, Sanseito could become a kingmaker in future national coalitions — or at least shape the political discourse.
Impact on Japanese Democracy
Sanseito’s emergence highlights a broader global trend — the rise of nationalist, anti-immigration movements in developed countries. From Europe to the United States, similar ideologies have gained traction, and Japan appears to be no exception.
Still, Japan’s political system is traditionally consensus-driven, and extreme views have historically struggled to find lasting success. Whether Sanseito becomes a permanent political force or fades like many populist waves before it will depend on how mainstream parties respond to the electorate’s shifting sentiments.
Conclusion
The Sanseito party's surprise performance in the upper house election marks a potential turning point in Japanese politics. As voters increasingly turn to alternative voices, the political mainstream must adapt to a more divided, opinionated, and digitally engaged electorate.
Whether viewed as a danger or a wake-up call, Sanseito’s rise is a signal that Japan's political future is entering uncharted territory.
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