Japan Hard-Right Sanseito Gains 14 Upper House Seats Amid Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

Japan is experiencing a rise in anti-immigrant and nationalist sentiment, largely driven by the far-right Sanseito Party, which gained 14 seats in the recent Upper House elections by promoting a "Japanese First" agenda. Led by Sohei Kamiya, the party capitalized on COVID-19 conspiracy theories and opposition to immigration, welfare for foreigners, and cultural changes, resonating particularly with younger, economically strained voters facing inflation and a cost-of-living squeeze. Sanseito's rhetoric includes calls to protect traditional family values, repeal LGBT protections, and restrict immigration, often using language similar to Western far-right movements, despite Japan's distinct ethnic context. The party's rise reflects broader public unease with increasing foreign residents—who now make up about 3% of Japan's population—and issues like overtourism and foreign property purchases that stoke fears of cultural erosion and economic displacement. Meanwhile, many Japanese voters remain loyal to established parties, highlighting a fragmented political landscape amid economic challenges. Foreign residents, while unable to vote unless naturalized, are directly affected by these political shifts and continue to contribute to Japanese society.