Japan’s far-right Sanseito party, once a fringe movement fueled by pandemic-era conspiracy theories, is moving into the political mainstream. The party, led by Sohei Kamiya, gained momentum in a July election by capitalizing on voter anger over rising living costs and immigration. Its campaign rhetoric warned of a “silent invasion” by foreigners, echoing themes common in far-right movements abroad.
Now, Sanseito is going international. It has launched an international division in Tokyo to strengthen ties with allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Europe’s far-right figures. This outreach includes engagements with Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. By aligning with global right-wing networks, Sanseito hopes to break free from Japan’s traditionally insular politics and gain credibility as a force capable of reshaping the national debate.
Why It Matters
Japan has long been governed by the conservative but relatively centrist Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which values stability and consensus. Sanseito’s rise signals a potential shift toward more radical politics, reflecting discontent over economic stagnation, immigration, and cultural change. International recognition gives the party legitimacy at home, potentially allowing it to challenge Japan’s political establishment. With the LDP’s leadership in flux, Sanseito’s growing popularity may allow it to influence policy or enter power-sharing agreements in the future.
Sanseito leadership (Sohei Kamiya): Emphasizes the need to bypass domestic “establishment media” by gaining recognition abroad.
Far-right allies abroad (Bannon, Carlson, AfD): See Sanseito as a “revolutionary force” in Japan and support its anti-immigration, nationalist stance.
Japanese voters: Divided some resonate with Sanseito’s anti-immigration message, while others fear extremism breaking Japan’s tradition of consensus politics.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): Faces the challenge of containing Sanseito’s rise while dealing with its own leadership crisis.
Academics and analysts: Note that foreign validation helps Sanseito stand out in Japan’s political landscape, but question how far radical rhetoric can go in a society that values harmony.
Possible Outcomes
If Sanseito continues to expand, it could become Japan’s most influential opposition party, forcing the LDP to adopt harder nationalist policies. A strong showing in the next election might allow Sanseito to propose legislation or even participate in coalition talks. On the other hand, Japan’s cultural preference for moderation could limit its appeal, leaving it a disruptive but minority force. The international dimension is crucial: if figures like Trump or Bannon publicly endorse Sanseito, it could further energize supporters at home. Ultimately, Sanseito’s trajectory will test whether far-right populism can truly take root in Japan’s unique political environment.
With information from Reuters.
AloJapan.com