Japanese politics has long been seen as calm, stable, and even boring by some. For decades, the same party—the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)—has led the country with little serious competition. Changes in leadership or policy usually happened slowly and quietly.
But something unexpected has happened. A far-right party called Sanseito, which many people had barely heard of just a year ago, has made a stunning breakthrough. In a recent election, it jumped from only one seat in the upper house of parliament to 15 seats. This sudden rise has shaken Japan’s political system and sparked national debates.
A Quiet Democracy Just Got Loud
Sanseito’s slogan, “Japan First”, struck a strong emotional chord with voters. It sounds similar to the “America First” slogan used by Donald Trump. This message appealed to many people, especially young voters who are frustrated with the current system and tired of feeling ignored.
The surprise election results have put pressure on the ruling LDP. It had already lost control of the lower house last year. Now, it has also lost its majority in the upper house. These setbacks led to internal demands for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign.
Even though the government recently secured a major trade deal with the United States, which helped the economy, it didn’t solve the political unrest. Voters are looking for change, and many see Sanseito as the party that finally speaks for them.
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High Prices and Anger in the Supermarket
The surge in support for Sanseito didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s been a tough few years for ordinary families in Japan. Prices for everyday items have gone up sharply. Wages have stayed the same. One of the biggest concerns is rice, the most important food item in Japanese homes.
The price of rice has doubled since last year. In some places, a 5kg bag now costs over 4,000 yen. A poor harvest in 2023 and a powerful earthquake created supply problems. People rushed to stores in panic, forming long lines. Videos of this were widely shared online.
A mother in Tokyo, Momoko Abe, said she was shocked by the sudden price jump. Another shopper, Takeshi Watanabe, said rice is too important to skip, even though it’s expensive.
Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has promised to bring prices down and fix the supply chain. While prices have come down slightly, they remain much higher than last year. The rising cost of living has made many voters feel that the government is not doing enough to help them.
Fear of Foreigners Sparks Support
One of Sanseito’s most talked-about messages is about immigration. Japan has always had very low numbers of immigrants. But now, the number of foreign residents has reached 3.77 million—a record high. Many of them are needed to help care for Japan’s aging population.
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However, not everyone agrees with this. Sanseito claims that the government has allowed in too many foreigners without setting proper rules. Some supporters say immigrants are taking advantage of social benefits and making life harder for Japanese citizens.
Welfare Minister Takamaro Fukuoka has denied this, saying all benefits are given fairly. Still, Sanseito’s message has gained support, especially from people who feel uneasy about the rapid changes in society.
Tourism and Online Messaging Add Fuel
Tourism has added to these tensions. Last year, Japan welcomed nearly 37 million tourists. With the weak yen, foreign visitors flooded the country. Some local communities have complained about tourists breaking rules, littering, and being disrespectful. One town even built a screen to block the view of Mount Fuji to stop tourists from crowding the area.
Experts like Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University, say that Sanseito has used these complaints to create fear about foreigners. He warns that the party spreads false claims about crime and property being taken over by non-citizens.
Sanseito’s rise began during the pandemic. Its leader, Sohei Kamiya, gained attention through bold YouTube videos. He openly questioned vaccines and spread conspiracy theories. He also praised Donald Trump’s style of speaking and used social media to build a strong following.
Professor Jeff Kingston from Temple University believes Sanseito’s success is more about emotion and energy than detailed policies. Many people simply want someone who listens and takes bold action. After the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had strong conservative support, many right-leaning voters moved toward Sanseito.
The election results show that Japan’s political scene is changing. Voters are speaking up—and they want their voices heard.
