Sohei Kamiya, leader of the nationalist Sanseito party, has seen his political fortunes rise sharply in Japan's recent upper house elections, capitalising on discontent with the political mainstream and concerns over immigration and demographic decline. Kamiya, who styles himself as a 'Japanese first' populist inspired by Donald Trump, saw his party increase its parliamentary representation from one to 15 seats in July's vote.
Sanseito, described by critics as far-right and ultraconservative, targets migrants, liberal elites and foreign capital. Kamiya rejects the far-right label, insisting his policies aim to create a country 'not dependent on immigrants and foreigners'. He has called for tougher immigration restrictions, angered gender equality campaigners by urging young women to prioritise childbearing over work, and used a racist slur against ethnic Koreans, for which he later apologised.
The party's message has resonated with disaffected conservatives, conspiracy theorists and those who believe in a 'deep state' controlling society. Sanseito's YouTube channel has over half a million subscribers. Kamiya, a former supermarket manager and teacher, first entered politics as a city assembly member in Suita, Osaka, and ran unsuccessfully for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in 2012 before founding Sanseito.
Kamiya's campaign slogan 'Japanese first' addresses what he calls a 'silent invasion' of immigrants and overtourism pricing locals out of daily life. His rhetoric has struck a chord with younger voters, jolting established parties. However, human rights groups and teachers have condemned his divisive statements, including sexist and ageist remarks about women's roles and a derogatory term for Koreans.
