Kamiya's Sanseito Party Gains Momentum in Japan's Upper House Election
As Japan heads to the polls for its Upper House election on Sunday, July 20, the Sanseito party, led by Sohei Kamiya, is attracting significant attention. Recent polls suggest that the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition may struggle to secure a majority, potentially paving the way for opposition gains. Sanseito, with its "Japanese First" platform, has emerged as a notable contender, sparking both support and controversy.
Concerns Over Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric
Sohei Kamiya's statements on government policies regarding foreigners have ignited debate. On July 18, 2025, Kamiya stated, "We'll see more clashes between Japanese people and foreigners in society," raising concerns about the integration of foreign residents. This rhetoric has caused particular anxiety among Indonesian communities in Japan, who fear that Sanseito's "Japanese First" stance is fostering a hostile environment. Eight human rights NGOs issued a joint statement on July 9, condemning the rise in anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly Sanseito's slogans, and highlighting concerns about discrimination and unsubstantiated claims against foreigners.
Sanseito Denies Ties with Russia Amid Scrutiny
Following scrutiny over a party member's appearance on Sputnik, Sanseito has denied any affiliations with Russia. On July 17, 2025, Kamiya clarified, "Not with Russia, China or America. We don't. We keep balanced diplomacy with any country." This statement comes after previous controversies surrounding Kamiya's views on the war in Ukraine.
Rise in Polls Reflects Discontent with Ruling Party
Sanseito's surge in popularity is widely attributed to voter dissatisfaction with the ruling LDP and its handling of inflation and past scandals. Opinion surveys for the Upper House vote have shown Sanseito polling as high as second place in some proportional representation categories. This suggests that many voters are using their vote for Sanseito as a form of protest against the current government.
Background and Key Milestones of Sanseito
Founded in March 2020 by Sohei Kamiya and other conservative activists, Sanseito gained its first seat in the House of Councillors in 2022, achieving official recognition as a political party. The party further solidified its presence by winning two seats in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly elections on June 22, 2025. As the official campaign for the House of Councillors election began on July 3, 2025, Kamiya aims to secure at least six seats for Sanseito.
Key Figures and Their Stances
Sohei Kamiya, the founder and Secretary General of Sanseito, has been a member of the House of Councillors since 2022. His "Japanese First" platform is often compared to Donald Trump's "America First" populism. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is currently in a minority government after significant losses in the October lower house election. The LDP is grappling with voter dissatisfaction due to corruption scandals and economic issues.
Sanseito's Platform and Ideologies
Sanseito, also known as the Political Participation Party, is a conservative and nationalist party focusing on traditional values, national sovereignty, and an anti-globalist stance. Its platform includes stricter immigration policies, anti-vaccine views, and an emphasis on traditional gender roles. The party's success can be attributed to its effective use of social media and its appeal to voters disillusioned with mainstream politics.
The Role of Foreign Residents and Migrant Workers
Foreign residents and migrant workers, who numbered almost 3.8 million in Japan by the end of 2024, have become a central topic in the election, often targeted by populist rhetoric. This demographic is increasingly concerned about the rise of xenophobic sentiment and its potential impact on their lives in Japan.
Data on Foreign Residents in Japan
According to the Immigration Services Agency, Japan's foreign population grew to almost 3.8 million people by the end of 2024, marking a 10.5% year-on-year increase. Government data from 2022 indicates that foreign families accounted for about 3% of all households receiving public livelihood assistance. Crimes committed by foreigners decreased to 15,541 in 2022 from a peak of 43,622 in 2005. Foreigners made up 5.3% of total arrested criminals, according to Japan Press Weekly.
Controversies and Public Reaction to Sanseito's Rhetoric
Sanseito's "Japanese First" slogan and rhetoric against immigrants have sparked significant controversy. Kamiya's claims about immigrants committing crimes or overstaying visas have been widely criticized as baseless and xenophobic by NGOs, which have fact-checked these claims against government data. An NHK poll from June 2025 showed that 64% of respondents "strongly agreed" or "somewhat agreed" that foreign nationals were receiving preferential treatment.
Potential Political Instability
A significant loss for the ruling coalition in the Upper House election could further destabilize Prime Minister Ishiba's minority government, potentially leading to his resignation or forcing the LDP to broaden its coalition, possibly with other conservative/populist parties. Early July 2025 Kyodo News polls placed Sanseito second in voter preferences for Diet seats determined by nationwide proportional representation.
