Japan Immigration News

(Reuters)'Japanese First' party emerges as election force with tough immigration talk

Release Date: 2025-07-22
Media: Reuters
Summary: In Japan’s upper house election, the fringe far-right Sanseito party made significant gains, winning 14 seats, up from just one previously. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic on YouTube and known for spreading conspiracy theories and anti-globalist rhetoric, Sanseito ran on a "Japanese First" platform focused on resisting immigration, cutting taxes, and increasing welfare spending.

Party leader Sohei Kamiya claimed the slogan was not meant to exclude foreigners entirely but to prioritize Japanese livelihoods. Despite immigration ranking low (7%) among voter concerns—behind social security, birthrates, and rising rice prices—the party capitalized on public economic frustrations and rising anti-foreign sentiment.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito lost their upper house majority, compounding setbacks after a prior lower house defeat. Analysts suggest Sanseito's rise reflects voter dissatisfaction with LDP leadership under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, rather than broad support for far-right ideology.
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