The crowd of 800 at Takasaki Station, nestled beneath an imposing volcano, was noticeably younger than typical political assembly attendees in Japan. They had gathered to rally around Sohei Kamiya, a rising populist figure contesting the parliamentary elections this Sunday. His fervent speeches echoed sentiments familiar to audiences in the U.S. and Europe, where globalism and immigration are contentious issues. Kamiya, the leader of the newly formed political party Sanseito, stood atop a campaign truck shine in vibrant orange, exclaiming that Japan is under siege from globalist influences, unlawful immigrants, and a corrupt political elite hindering the opportunities of the youth.
“Japan needs to be a society that prioritizes the interests of its citizens,” declared Kamiya to a cheering crowd. The Sanseito party, founded by Kamiya, represents a significant generational shift; he is currently not on the ballot but is campaigning for 54 candidates, highlighting the party's rapid ambition.
Critics and media outlets have branded him xenophobic, asserting that he redirects public frustration towards Japan's burgeoning foreign resident population amidst rising living costs. Despite the protests from small opposition groups, his nationalist message seems to resonate, with polls suggesting Sanseito could secure a third-place victory in the elections—a remarkable feat for a party that emerged just five years ago and captured the attention of predominantly young male voters.
Kamiya attributes much of his emotive campaigning style to the influence of Donald J. Trump, likening himself to the American president in stirring deep rather than traditional political discourse. Political experts speculate about the ramifications of such populism, with some suggesting that Kamiya’s movements signal a potential shift in Japan’s political climate, echoing developments seen in the West.
“The emergence of a brazenly populist party is unprecedented,” commented Jiro Mizushima, a political science professor at Chiba University. Others caution against overestimating the longevity of Sanseito, suggesting it may become yet another fleeting entity amid Japan's political landscape.
In recent years, discontent against the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has grown, fueled by dissatisfaction over rising prices and stagnant wages. Sanseito's rise is considered partly a response to the LDP's faltering grip, especially following the 2020 assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which many observers note has opened avenues for more aggressive political newcomers.
Sparking upward trends in popularity for both Sanseito and other nationalist parties, many Japanese voters express concerns about the socioeconomic impact of Japan's foreign workers, which have sharply increased to 3.8 million—a notable 3 percent of the nation’s population. As socio-political tensions rise, it is particularly opportunistic for populist candidates to blame immigration for various societal issues, even though statistics do not substantiate claims that foreigners are contributing disproportionately to crime.
At campaign events, Kamiya advocates reducing immigration while sharply criticizing the establishment's approach towards foreign nationals. His critiques extend to Japan’s economy, accusing global capital of undermining the country’s sovereignty.
“The influence of multinational corporations must be resisted; otherwise, Japan risks becoming a colony," he proclaimed passionately. His party's platform also includes calls to abolish the 10 percent national consumption tax, drawing ire from young voters chafed by economic burdens.
By harnessing social media, Kamiya’s Sanseito has effectively consolidated a base of younger supporters eager for change, garnering about 6 percent of national votes in recent polls, which could translate to significant parliamentary representation.
The relatively new party, with fund-raising channels designed to bypass traditional elites, offers a voice to younger voters weary of conventional politics. Supporters describe Sanseito as a beacon of hope in a political landscape they feel alienated from.
“With a vision conducive to our perspectives, Sanseito provides optimism for a better future,” stated Yuka Matsuki, a 23-year-old former retail worker.
While Kamiya strives for an independent Japanese stance in global affairs, modeling part of his framework after Trump's “America First” ideals, he distinctively distances from Trump's personal approach. His vision intricately combines populism with a strong emphasis on nationalism aimed squarely at addressing disenfranchised younger Japanese voters.
