‘Japanese First' talk takes centre stage ahead of polls
TOKYO: An upstart party is gaining support ahead of elections in Japan by railing against a 'silent invasion' of immigrants, pushing the government to tackle fears about foreigners as it drags into the mainstream rhetoric once confined to the political fringe.
Birthed on YouTube during the pandemic spreading conspiracy theories about vaccinations and a cabal of global elites, the party, Sanseito, is widening its appeal with a 'Japanese First' campaign ahead of Sunday's upper house vote.
And while polls show it may only secure 10 to 15 of the 125 seats up for grabs, it is further eroding the support of PM Shigeru Ishiba's shaky minority government increasingly beholden to opposition parties as it clings to office.
'In the past, anyone who brought up immigration would be attacked by the left. We are getting bashed too, but are also gaining support,' Sohei Kamiya, the party's 47-year-old charismatic leader, said.
'LDP and Komeito can't stay silent if they want to keep their support,' Kamiya added, referring to Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Partywhich has governed Japan for most of the past seven decades, and its junior partner.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Flexible M.Sc. Program
BITS Pilani Digital
Apply Now
Undo
Kamiya's message has grabbed voters frustrated with a weak economy and currency that has lured tourists in record numbers in recent years, further driving up prices that Japanese can ill-afford, analysts say. Kamiya, a former supermarket manager and teacher, says he has drawn inspiration from US President Trump's 'bold political style'.
REUTERS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump strikes tariff deal with Japan, auto stocks surge
U.S. President Donald Trump struck a trade deal with Japan that lowers tariffs on auto imports and spares Tokyo from punishing new levies on other goods in exchange for a $550 billion package of U.S.-bound investment and loans. It is the most significant of a clutch of agreements that Trump has bagged since unveiling sweeping global levies in April though, like other deals, exact details remained unclear. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Public Policy Digital Marketing Management Cybersecurity Project Management Degree MCA Product Management Operations Management Data Science Leadership Data Analytics healthcare others Data Science Finance CXO Others MBA Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking PGDM Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details As part of the deal, Japan will buy 100 Boeing planes and hike defense spending with U.S. firms to $17 billion annually, from $14 billion, a White House official said. Japan's auto sector, which accounts for more than a quarter of its U.S. exports, will see existing tariffs cut to 15% from levies totaling 27.5% previously. Duties that were due to come into effect on other Japanese goods from August 1 will also be cut to 15% from 25%. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg Television that Japan received the 15% rate on auto tariffs "because they were willing to provide this innovative financing mechanism" that he did not think other countries could replicate. The announcement Tuesday evening sent Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index climbing almost 4% to its highest in a year, led by stocks in automakers with Toyota up more than 14% and Honda nearly 11%. Live Events Wall Street opened higher on Wednesday, shoring up expectations of further agreements ahead of the fast-approaching August 1 deadline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 158.7 points, or 0.36%, at the open to 44661.12. "I just signed the largest TRADE DEAL in history with Japan," Trump said in announcing the deal on social media. On Wednesday he said Japan and Indonesia were opening their markets to the U.S. "I will only lower tariffs if a country agrees to open its market," Trump wrote. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who denied reports on Wednesday that he had decided to quit following a bruising election defeat, praised the tariff agreement as "the lowest rate ever applied among countries that have a trade surplus with the U.S." Two-way trade between the two countries reached nearly $230 billion in 2024, with Japan running a trade surplus of nearly $70 billion. Japan is the fifth-largest U.S. trading partner in goods, U.S. Census Bureau data show. The U.S. investment package includes loans and guarantees from Japanese government-affiliated institutions of up to $550 billion to enable Japanese firms "to build resilient supply chains in key sectors like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors," Ishiba said. The White House official said Trump could, for example, select a semiconductor manufacturing project that would be built with Japanese funds, leased to operating companies and the resulting leasing profit split 90% to 10% between the U.S. and Japan. Tariffs on medicines and semiconductor chips will be negotiated separately, a White House official said. Japan will also buy $8 billion in agricultural and other products and boost rice purchases by 75%, the White House official said. Ishiba said the share of U.S. rice imports may increase under its existing framework but that the agreement did "not sacrifice" Japanese agriculture. Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida called the deal "very big progress" and said it reduces uncertainty over the economic outlook. Some economists had forecast the tariffs could have tipped Japan - the world's fourth-largest economy - into recession. Keidanren, Japan's biggest business lobby, welcomed the deal, saying it was a recognition of the significant contributions Japanese companies have made to the U.S. economy and society. The exuberance in financial markets spread to shares of South Korean and European carmakers, as the Japan deal stoked optimism that they could strike similar deals. U.S. automakers signaled their unhappiness with the deal, raising concerns about a trade regime that cuts tariffs on Japanese auto imports while leaving tariffs on imports from their plants and suppliers in Canada and Mexico at 25%. "Any deal that charges a lower tariff for Japanese imports with virtually no U.S. content than the tariff imposed on North American-built vehicles with high U.S. content is a bad deal for U.S. industry and U.S. auto workers," said Matt Blunt, who heads the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents General Motors Ford and Chrysler parent Stellantis . 'MISSION COMPLETE' "#Mission Complete," Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa wrote on X following a meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Akazawa later said the deal does not cover Japanese exports of steel and aluminum, currently subject to a 50% tariff. As part of the agreement, Japan will drop additional safety tests currently imposed on imported U.S. cars and trucks, Akazawa added, requirements that Trump has said limit sales of American-made autos there. Some last-minute negotiations over the eye-catching investment package appear to have helped seal the deal, a photo of Akazawa's meeting with Trump posted by one of his aides showed. The photo posted on X by Trump's assistant Dan Scavino, pictured the president seated opposite Akazawa with a document titled 'Japan Invest America' in front of him. A sum of "$400B" written in large letters on the document was scored out, with "$500" hand-written above it. Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States, according to U.S. government data, with an investment position of $819 billion at the end of 2024. Trump aides are feverishly working to close trade deals ahead of the August 1 deadline that Trump has repeatedly pushed back under pressure from markets and intense lobbying by industry. By that date, countries are set to face steep new tariffs beyond those Trump has already imposed since taking office in January. Trump has announced framework agreements with Britain, Vietnam, Indonesia and paused a tit-for-tat tariff battle with China, though details are still to be worked out with all of those countries. At the White House, Trump said negotiators from the European Union would be in Washington on Wednesday.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ravi Kishan praises PM Narendra Modi's discipline, says his day starts at 4:30 am, recalls how he stopped him from touching his feet: ‘Bharat jhukega nahi'
Ravi Kishan who is known for his Bhojpuri films has gotten a lot of love recently for his role in 'Laapata Ladies'. The actor will be seen next in 'Son Of Sardar 2' along with Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur and others. Ravi who is also a politician recently lauded PM Narendra Modi and his qualities in a recent interview. He spoke about the Prime Minister's discipline and how he once stopped the actor from touching his feet. During a chat on Raj Shamani's podcast, the actor and politician recalled how he used to often find himself caught in controversies. 'In fact, the Prime Minister himself asked me not to do that. He said, 'You are a celebrity as well. So, speak only after giving it a lot of thought. The lesser you appear before the media, the better. Avoid getting embroiled in controversies as much as possible.' He said those things in the very best words. From that day onwards, I have never made any loose talk just to create headlines.' He mentioned that while his spontaneous remarks—what he calls the "Ravi Kishan ras (essence)"—sometimes go viral, he no longer tries to make sensational statements. 'There were a lot of issues going on, including the Marathi-Bhojpuri controversy (that I could have commented on). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo But the best thing to do is, do your work, stay quiet and don't beat the drum. The entire country is watching you. Also, people know everything, including the smallest details about you, such as your car, bungalow, success et al. Keep your head down and be natural,' he added. He also spoke fondly and with deep respect for Prime Minister Modi, calling him a 'Niswarth Sant (selfless saint).' Recalling a memorable moment after his first election win, Kishan shared, 'After I won my first election, I went to meet Modiji in his cabin to seek his blessings. Looking at me, he asked, 'So, how's your Mahadev?' I went fully blank. I usually don't fall on people's feet. But, upon seeing him, my hands went straight for his feet to touch them. He immediately held my hands and said, 'Bharat jhukega nahi (India will not bow down)'. That was the line for me.' He praised Modi's discipline and dedication, saying the Prime Minister starts his day at 4:30 a.m. and works nearly 18 hours a day without taking holidays—even when unwell. 'He has been working 24×7 for so many years. Yogiji is the same. They function on just 4-5 hours of sleep. They are 'niswarth sant (selfless saints)'. We get such people only once in centuries,' Kishan said.
Time of India
44 minutes ago
- Time of India
Explained: What is Baby Grok, and how it could be different from Elon Musk's Grok chatbot
Elon Musk launches Baby Grok, a child-friendly AI chatbot under xAI, after backlash over Grok's raunchy content. Baby Grok offers safe, educational interactions for kids on the X platform, aiming to balance innovation with responsibility in the AI landscape. Elon Musk announced plans to develop " Baby Grok ," a kid-friendly version of his xAI chatbot, following widespread criticism over Grok 's recent antisemitic posts and inappropriate content. The announcement comes as a stark contrast to Grok's reputation as one of the most unfiltered AI chatbots available, which has generated controversial responses including praise for Hitler, discriminatory remarks targeting specific communities, and is known to go unhinged on user's request multiple times. Unlike its parent application, Baby Grok is expected to feature robust content filtering, educational focus, and age-appropriate responses designed specifically for children. The move comes as a significant pivot for xAI, which has previously marketed Grok's "unfiltered" approach as a selling point against competitors like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini . Grok's troubled history with hate speech and controversial content Grok has established itself as perhaps the most problematic mainstream AI chatbot, with multiple incidents that underscore why a filtered version is necessary. In July 2025, the chatbot began calling itself "MechaHitler" and made antisemitic comments, including praising Hitler and suggesting he would "handle" Jewish people "decisively." The posts appear to be an official statement from xAI, the Elon Musk-led company behind Grok, as opposed to an AI-generated explanation for Grok's posts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Beyond hate speech, Grok has repeatedly spread election misinformation. In August 2024, five secretaries of state complained that Grok falsely claimed Vice President Kamala Harris had missed ballot deadlines in nine states and wasn't eligible to appear on some 2024 presidential ballots. The false information was "shared repeatedly in multiple posts, reaching millions of people" and persisted for more than a week before correction. Earlier incidents include Holocaust denial, promotion of "white genocide" conspiracy theories in South Africa in May 2025, with the chatbot inserting references even when questions were completely unrelated, and the creation of overly sexualized 3D animated companions. The chatbot previously had a "fun mode" described as "edgy" by the company and "incredibly cringey" by Vice, which was removed in December 2024. These controversies stem from Grok's design philosophy of not "shying away from making claims which are politically incorrect," according to system prompts revealed by The Verge. The platform's lack of effective content moderation has resulted in international backlash, with Poland planning to report xAI to the European Commission and Turkey blocking access to certain Grok features. How Baby Grok could be different from the regular Grok While Musk provided limited details about Baby Grok's specific features, the child-focused chatbot will likely implement comprehensive safety measures absent from the original Grok. Expected features include content filtering to block inappropriate topics, educational-focused responses, and simplified language appropriate for younger users. The chatbot may incorporate parental controls, allowing guardians to monitor interactions and set usage limits. Given Grok's history with generating offensive content, Baby Grok will presumably have stronger guardrails against hate speech, violence, and age-inappropriate material. Data protection will likely be another key differentiator, with potential restrictions on how children's conversations are stored or used for AI training purposes. This approach would align with growing regulatory focus on protecting minors' digital privacy. Google's already doing 'the AI chatbot for kids' with Gemini for Teens Google has already established a framework for AI chatbots designed for younger users with its Gemini teen experience, which could serve as a model for Baby Grok's development. Google's approach includes several safety features that xAI might adopt or adapt. Gemini for teens includes enhanced content policies specifically tuned to identify inappropriate material for younger users, automatic fact-checking features for educational queries, and an AI literacy onboarding process. Google partnered with child safety organizations like ConnectSafely and Family Online Safety Institute to develop these features. Additionally, Google's teen experience includes extra data protection, meaning conversations aren't used to improve AI models. Common Sense Media has rated Google's teen-focused Gemini as "low risk" and "designed for kids," setting a safety standard that Baby Grok would need to meet or exceed. What parents need to know about Baby Grok's development The development of Baby Grok represents a notable shift in xAI's approach to AI safety, particularly for younger users. While the original Grok was designed as an unfiltered alternative to other chatbots, Baby Grok appears to prioritize child safety and educational value above unrestricted responses. For parents considering AI tools for their children, Baby Grok's success will likely depend on several factors: the effectiveness of its content filtering systems, the quality of its educational content, and xAI's commitment to ongoing safety improvements. The company's acknowledgment of past issues and decision to create a separate child-focused platform suggests recognition of the need for different approaches when serving different age groups. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
