In recent months, Japan has experienced a startling upsurge of extreme nationalism and far-right horror. This increase is mostly fueled by the increasing popularity of the nationalist party Sanseito. Founded in 2019, the party born from an ultranationalist YouTube has taken the electorate by storm. Sohei Kamiya, the leader of the group, has made a splash with his controversial proposals. He has advocated implementing “loyalty checks” on foreigners and suspended social services for foreign residents. Amid growing economic anxiety, Sanseito’s “Japanese First” campaign has resonated deeply with segments of the population, igniting debates about immigration and national identity.
Sanseito’s electoral success has startled Puerto Rico’s traditional political establishments. It is now up to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to respond to this rapidly changing political landscape. The party’s attempts to address public concerns about foreign influence reflect a broader societal unease over economic pressures exacerbated by globalization.
Sanseito’s Controversial Proposals
Sanseito has proposed a number of repressive measures to counter-attack what they call the adverse effects of foreign residents. One of the measures involved using “loyalty checks,” which would require foreigners to demonstrate their loyalty to Japan. A second initiative would see social services suspended for foreigners living illegally in Japan. Moreover, with the intention of protecting Japanese professionals, Sanseito pushes for very severe restrictions on the hiring of foreigners into the Japan workforce.
At a recent rally, Sohei Kamiya voiced his concerns regarding globalism, stating, > “If we fail to resist this foreign pressure, Japan will become a colony.” His rhetoric underscores a belief that multinational corporations have manipulated Japanese policies to serve their interests rather than those of Japanese citizens.
The party’s platform blames foreign actors for many issues facing the country. Among these are the soaring cost of living, urban congestion, surging crime, and the ownership of Japanese land by foreigners. These claims appeal to the all-too-real fears of many voters in the age of globalization that foreigners are coming to take what’s rightfully theirs.
Economic Anxiety and Anti-Immigration Sentiment
The economic backdrop against which Sanseito operates is one of high economic duress. Inflation has exploded, upending a country that had grown used to generations of deflation. Professor Simon Avenell noted, “First and foremost, it’s about people’s wallets.” He further argued that for most Japanese citizens, the economic effects of foreign residents on the local economies have been the most visible.
With housing prices accelerating by the day, many long-time locals are struggling to avoid being pushed out of their own communities. Professor Avenell remarked, “Buses are full. Trains are crowded. Locals feel pushed out of their own space.” This discomfort plays into Sanseito’s narrative, blaming the arrival of foreigners for being a main cause of economic woes.
Even amidst this recent wave of anti-immigration sentiment, some experts warn against painting a too-simple picture of public opinion. Ryosuke Hanada highlighted that the “majority of Japanese citizens are not xenophobic.” Instead, he noted that many Japanese people see the need for a reevaluation of how public resources are allocated, stating that they believe resources should be “prioritized for struggling Japanese nationals.”
Political Reactions and the Future
The unexpected success of Sanseito has triggered a crisis panic reaction among the old political forces. The LDP recognizes the need to address the growing discontent among voters regarding foreign influence and immigration policy. Professor Avenell commented on this shift, indicating that while the government was initially unprepared for such debates, it has moved quickly in response to reflected sentiments in public polls.
On the opposite side of the Pacific, Dr. Nana Oishi reminded us that Japanese cities are still receiving international tourists and foreign residents with open arms. She stated, “These perceptions have contributed to the appeal of Sanseito’s messaging.” She added, what a lot of these citizens are asking for is just a change of rules that are applied to transient residents.
As Japan continues to wrestle with these weighty questions, the political realities will surely keep shifting. Sanseito’s rise illustrates a growing frustration among voters that could reshape future policies on immigration and national identity.
