Tokyo: The founder and secretary general of Japan's nationalist Sanseito political party, Sohei Kamiya, emerged as the standout winner in Sunday's election for the upper house of parliament. Aged 47, Kamiya's campaign resonated with many Japanese citizens by promising adherence to traditional values, tax cuts, increased defense spending, and a focus on national pride. His party's slogan, "Japanese First," mirrors sentiments seen in other global far-right movements.

According to Deutsche Welle, the Sanseito party has effectively tapped into public dissatisfaction with traditional political parties. Toshimitsu Shigemura, a professor of politics and international relations at Tokyo's Waseda University, emphasized that many Japanese feel ignored by the established parties, such as the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Sanseito's adept use of social media allowed it to reach a younger demographic, delivering concise messages that resonated with their concerns.

Sanseito, founded in 2020, quickly gained traction by spreading controversial messages, including misinformation about the COVID pandemic. The party, which emerged from a YouTube channel co-created by Kamiya, has faced accusations of antisemitism and xenophobia. Despite these controversies, the party's anti-foreigner rhetoric has found an audience, particularly as Japan grapples with rising inflation and economic challenges.

The party's platform includes policies such as increased defense spending and constitutional amendments to allow Japan's remilitarization. Kamiya's stance on foreign policy includes a call for a stronger position against China's regional ambitions and a relaxation of sanctions on Russia. Domestically, Sanseito opposes same-sex marriage and advocates for traditional gender roles.

Sanseito's success in the recent election, where it secured 14 seats in the 248-seat chamber, marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape. Although the LDP remains the largest party, its reduced majority requires collaboration with opposition parties, potentially amplifying Sanseito's influence. The Asahi Shimbun newspaper expressed concern over the rise of xenophobia and the potential normalization of discriminatory rhetoric in Japanese politics.

In response to international media, Kamiya defended the party's stance, claiming that "Japanese First" does not exclude non-Japanese individuals. He expressed admiration for the policies of other far-right parties globally, including former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.

Political scientist Shigemura cautioned that Sanseito's electoral success places pressure on the party to fulfill its promises. He predicted that while the LDP is currently weakened, it may regain strength as Sanseito's ability to deliver on its promises is tested. Shigemura anticipated that public disillusionment with the far-right may eventually lead to the LDP's resurgence and a stabilization of Japan's political climate.