Tokyo, July 23 (AP) – The far-right populist Sanseito party emerged as a notable victor in Japan's recent upper house election, capturing the attention of many voters with its "Japanese First" agenda. This platform advocates for stricter regulations on foreigners and a reduction of policies related to gender equality and diversity.
Sanseito gained 14 additional seats in Sunday’s election, adding to the single seat already occupied by its leader, Sohei Kamiya, in the 248-member upper house. This chamber is the least powerful in Japan’s bicameral parliamentary system.
The increase in the party's popularity happened during a significant defeat for the long-standing conservative coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Many frustrated voters, burdened by economic challenges, seemed to turn towards Sanseito.
Kamiya stated on Tuesday that he is not interested in forming alliances with traditional parties such as Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Rather, he expressed openness to collaborating with other emerging parties but is expected to focus on increasing seats in the more influential lower house. His goal is to shape a multiparty coalition similar to those found in Europe.
Sanseito, which means "Participate in Politics," started in 2020 as an online movement where Kamiya rallied support via YouTube and social media. It aimed to appeal to voters disgruntled with conventional party systems. As its members won seats in local assemblies, the party expanded its grassroots support.
The party's online approach, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, gained significant traction, partly due to its anti-vaccine stance. In 2022, Kamiya secured a six-year upper house term, bolstering the party's national presence. Sanseito also secured three seats in the October lower house election.
Though the party holds 15 upper house seats compared to the 122 held by Ishiba's coalition, Kamiya continues to reach a broader audience. Sanseito’s YouTube following recently surged to nearly 500,000 subscribers, far exceeding the LDP's 140,000.
Sanseito’s "Japanese First" platform is distinctly anti-foreigner, evidently inspired by former US President Donald Trump's "America First" doctrine. As part of this vision, Kamiya proposes creating a new agency to oversee foreigner regulations. The party campaigned for stricter Japanese citizenship screening and for denying welfare benefits to non-Japanese individuals.
Critics argue that the party's views have promoted xenophobic rhetoric during the election and across social media, encouraging outspoken ultraconservative candidates. Claims have been made that foreign workers negatively impact Japanese wages and disproportionately use welfare benefits, aiding societal insecurity.
This rhetoric resonated with portions of the population, despite foreign residents constituting only about 3% of Japan's total population and welfare recipients, while also fulfilling tax and social security obligations.
Kamiya's xenophobic stance, antisemitic comments, and emphasis on ethnic purity have alarmed human rights advocates and experts, prompting public protests.
Besides Sanseito, the Democratic Party for the People, another election success story, advocated for increased worker wages, attracting voters disillusioned with traditional parties. Political observer Izuru Makihara noted on NHK television that this shift is part of a social media movement driven by young people aiming to transform Japan's political landscape. Sanseito remains relatively inexperienced; its success is contingent on policy achievements by its elected members.
Kamiya, a former Self-Defense Force reservist and municipal assembly member in Suita, promotes a platform rejecting globalism and vaccines while retreating from gender equality and sexual diversity initiatives. He has consistently lauded Trump for decisive actions.
During his campaign, Kamiya observed that Trump’s leadership embodies a Western anti-globalism movement, sharing similar alarms. He stated during a party leaders’ debate that Trump’s initiatives protect U.S. national interests and serve as examples for Japan to consider. Kamiya supports Trump’s moves to retract decarbonization and diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Kamiya, known for his fiery speeches, has been a beacon of controversy and scrutiny as his party gains traction. He has attributed Japan’s declining birth rate and population to government gender equality policies.
Additionally, Kamiya, who opposes the concept of a female-line emperor, faced criticism for suggesting reliance on concubines for stable imperial family succession if government measures lag. (AP) NSA NSA
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