Latest news with #Sanseitō
Fox News
a day ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump-inspired 'Japanese first' politician shakes up nation's establishment
Japanese populist Sohei Kamiya stunned many in the country when his Sanseitō party won 14 seats in Japan's Upper House elections last week. "From supermarket manager to bright political star … populism has hit the shores of Japan like a tsunami," Gatestone Institute senior fellow Gordon Chang told Fox News Digital about 47-year-old Kamiya's surprise achievement. Holding 15 of 248 Upper House seats is not sufficient for Kamiya's party to submit legislation. However, polling data shows Sanseitō's impact with younger voters, as Kyodo News reported that more than 20% of voters from 18 to 40 voted for his party. Inspired by President Donald Trump's leadership style, Kamiya's rise has largely been attributed to his social media savvy. He snagged his earliest followers through his opposition to "blanket mask mandates, mass PCR testing, and vaccine requirements" during the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan Forward reported. Kamiya has also adopted a spin-off of Trump's MAGA motto, proclaiming "Japanese first" as his party promises to strengthen Japan's culture, birth rates and food sufficiency, while finding solutions for its reliance on immigration. Though the Western media has characterized Kamiya as far-right, fringe or xenophobic, Lance Gatling, a principal at Nexial Research, Tokyo, told Fox News Digital that while Kamiya's goals of "protecting Japan, growing Japan, and educating Japan" are "fairly populist," they do not represent "a radical move towards the right wing." In fact, Gatling said many in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has dominated Japanese politics for decades, "are more right-wing than Sanseitō." Gatling described members of Kamiya's party as "pretty reasonable." Gaitlin said that Kamiya, formerly a reservist in the Self-Defense Forces and an English teacher, "doesn't appear to be playing." Kamiya "has been honing his message for some time," Gatling said. Some critics have expressed particular concern over what they call Kamiya's anti-immigration stance. Immigration, however, has become a chief issue for the island nation. When former President Joe Biden called Japan "xenophobic" for failing to increase immigration in May 2024, Kamiya responded on social media. "It's not that we're xenophobic, we are being cautious after seeing your failures," Kamiya said. "You are meddling too much in our internal affairs." Gatling says categorizing the Japanese as xenophobic "just doesn't ring true." He explained that the country has "one of the most astonishing cultures in history," formed by adopting Western culture and enriching it to create "a completely unique culture that has tremendous appeal around the world." Gatling says Kamiya is aiming for a return to traditional cultural values, while also lowering taxes and increasing food self-sufficiency, which is currently the lowest rate of all Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development nations at 38%. The rice trade would be critical to this arrangement, with Sanseitō eager to curb imports of U.S. rice. At present, imports of U.S. rice are set to increase by 75%, thanks to a $550 billion trade deal President Donald Trump signed with Japan on July 22. Another possible friction point in the future might be Sanseitō's desire to turn the nation's farmers into public sector employees, Gatling admitted. "The agriculture bloc is one of the most powerful in the LDP," he explained. "I'm not sure how many of the farmers want to be public sector employees." While he says that it is too early to determine the future of Sanseitō in Japanese politics, Gatling said Kamiya has stated he is not "interested in building a coalition government." Gatling believes the party's future will hinge on preparations for subsequent elections and demonstrating that "they have reasonable policies." Chang said Sanseitō's win was a loss for the LDP, which he says has "been adrift" since Abe's 2020 resignation and subsequent 2022 assassination. Current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba "is weak and unpopular," and the LDP now finds itself "in the minority in both houses of the Diet for the first time since the party was formed in 1955," Chang said. "Ishiba is naturally catching the blame." While the political waves leave Japan "rudderless," Chang said to "expect Sanseitō to only get stronger, which means Japan will turn inward. Around the world, societies have had enough of large foreign populations that do not assimilate, so we should not be surprised that Kamiya will become even more influential. "Change occurs slowly in Japan until it happens all at once. Japan is now on the verge of an all-at-once moment," Chang said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who Is Sōhei Kamiya AKA Japan's Donald Trump? A YouTuber, teacher wins election in Japan
Sōhei Kamiya, a popular YouTuber-turned-politician, is currently making waves in Japanese politics. Also known as Japan's Donald Trump, Kamiya has emerged as a major figure after his far-right party, Sanseitō, shocked many by winning 14 seats in the recent Japan election. This surprising success has not only raised eyebrows domestically but also drawn comparisons to populist leaders like Donald Trump himself. From Fringe Candidate to Political Force The rise of Sōhei Kamiya marks a significant shift in Japanese politics. His party, Sanseitō, which started out on the fringes during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now become a strong force in the country's upper house. In 2022, Sanseitō held just one seat. But in the latest Japan election, the party secured 14–15 seats in the 248-member House of Councillors, dramatically increasing its influence. This unexpected gain has weakened Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's coalition, placing Kamiya in a position to influence national legislation. Unlike mainstream parties, Kamiya prefers building alliances with other fringe groups instead of aligning with the ruling coalition. Who Is Sōhei Kamiya? Born on 12 October 1977 in Takahama, Fukui Prefecture, Sōhei Kamiya holds a law degree and has had a varied career. Before entering politics, he worked as an English teacher, supermarket manager, and later became popular on YouTube, where he posted political videos questioning government policies. His official political career began as a member of Suita City Council in Osaka. He was part of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2012 to 2015, later serving as an independent until he founded Sanseitō in 2020. Sōhei Kamiya's Career and the Birth of Sanseitō Sanseitō—also known as the 'Party of Do It Yourself'—was launched in April 2020 during the pandemic by a group of citizens frustrated with Japan's existing political choices. Since its foundation, Sōhei Kamiya's career has been closely tied to the growth of this party. As the Secretary General and key strategist, he has been its public face and driving force. The party's ideology includes Japanese nationalism, right-wing populism, and a firm anti-immigration stance. It also opposes LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality initiatives, and COVID-19 vaccines and masks—positions that have helped it gain popularity among right-leaning voters. In 2022, Sanseitō officially gained national party status by earning more than 2% of the national vote and winning one seat. Their success has now grown significantly, with 14 seats won in the 2025 Japan election. Why Is Kamiya Called 'Japan's Donald Trump'? Sōhei Kamiya has earned the nickname Japan's Donald Trump due to his populist rhetoric, controversial statements, and anti-establishment attitude. Like Trump, he positions himself as a voice for "ordinary people" and frequently criticises the government, media, and global institutions. His speeches often echo nationalist and xenophobic themes. During his campaign, Kamiya referred to Japan's reliance on foreign workers as 'national doping,' suggesting that immigration weakens national identity. He also drew criticism for saying, 'Only young women can have children,' a statement that many labelled as sexist and out of touch. Furthermore, he proposed that terminally ill patients should bear the full cost of life-prolonging treatments—another stance that stirred public outrage. Controversies and Criticism Like Trump, Sōhei Kamiya's career has been filled with controversies. He has made questionable historical claims, including suggesting that only American troops were responsible for Okinawan civilian deaths during the Battle of Okinawa—ignoring the role of Japan's own military. His party also came under fire when one of its candidates appeared on Russia's Sputnik News, leading to suspicions about pro-Russia leanings. However, Kamiya denied these allegations and called it a misunderstanding. What Lies Ahead for Sōhei Kamiya? With the momentum from the recent Japan election, Sōhei Kamiya and his party are expected to continue influencing Japan's political direction. As their online presence grows and their nationalist message resonates with certain voters, Kamiya is solidifying his place as a powerful new figure—one that many now call Japan's Donald Trump. Whether his rise will bring lasting change or fuel deeper divisions remains to be seen. But what's certain is that Sōhei Kamiya's career is just getting started, and the world is watching. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
News18
7 days ago
- Politics
- News18
A Supermarket Manager, English Teacher, YouTuber & Now ‘Japan's Trump': Who Is Sōhei Kamiya?
Last Updated: Who Is Sōhei Kamiya? His remarks -- calling Japan's reliance on foreign labour "doping" and "only young women can have kids' -- has led to comparison with populists like Trump Who Is Sōhei Kamiya? The fringe far-right Sanseito party emerged as one of the biggest winners in Japan's upper house election on Sunday, gaining support with warnings of a 'silent invasion" of immigrants, and pledges for tax cuts and welfare spending. Sōhei Kamiya's Sanseitō secured 14–15 seats in the 248-member upper house, a major leap from just one seat in 2022, making it a significant force in national politics. This surge has eroded Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's coalition majority and placed Sanseitō in a stronger position to shape legislation. Kamiya is keen to build political alliances with other fringe parties rather than collaborate with the ruling coalition. Birthed on YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic spreading conspiracy theories about vaccinations and a cabal of global elites, the party broke into mainstream politics with its 'Japanese First" campaign. Who is Sōhei Kamiya? Born on October 12, 1977, in Takahama, Fukui Prefecture, Kamiya is a Japanese politician and founder of the far‑right populist party Sanseitō. Since 2022, he has served as a Member of the House of Councillors via proportional representation. He holds a law degree and formerly served on the Suita City Council in Osaka. Prior to founding Sanseitō, he worked as a supermarket manager, English teacher, and later hosted political content on YouTube. As Secretary General and de facto leader of Sanseitō since its founding in March 2020, Kamiya has been the chief face and strategist of the party. His prior affiliations include periods as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (2012–2015) and an independent (2015–2020). All about Kamiya's Sanseitō — the 'Party of Do It Yourself' It was established in April 2020, led by ordinary citizens unsatisfied with existing political options. It's ideology is Japanese nationalism, ultraconservatism, right-wing populism, and staunch anti-immigration stance. The party was vocal in promoting COVID-19 conspiracy theories, opposing masks and vaccines, and resisting LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality policies. It gained national party status by earning over 2% of votes in the 2022 House of Councillors election, where it secured one seat. By the 2025 upper house election, it surged to 15 seats (from just one). Its influence continues to grow, especially online. 'National doping' to 'young women': Kamiya's controversial views Kamiya's rhetoric often draws comparisons with global populists like Donald Trump and European far‑right parties (e.g. AfD, Reform UK). During the campaign, Kamiya used the phrase 'national doping" to describe Japan's reliance on foreign labour, sparking criticism for xenophobic undertones. He stoked controversy by stating, 'Only young women can have children." Sanseitō also proposed making terminally ill patients pay fully out-of-pocket for life‑prolonging treatments. The party faced scrutiny after a candidate's appearance on Russia's Sputnik news sparked speculation of pro-Russia ties—Kamiya denied any such affiliations and called it a misunderstanding. Earlier in 2025, Kamiya made misleading claims about the Battle of Okinawa—asserting that only US troops killed Okinawans, not the Imperial Japanese Army. With Reuters, Agency Inputs view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 22, 2025, 16:05 IST News explainers A Supermarket Manager, English Teacher, YouTuber & Now 'Japan's Trump': Who Is Sōhei Kamiya? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
AllAfrica
7 days ago
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Election surge by rightwing populist Sanseito party shakes Japan
Japan held elections for its upper house, the House of Councillors, on July 20. The vote proved a challenge for the conservative ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP), which has been reeling from corruption scandals, rising prices and US tariffs on Japanese exports. The ruling coalition, composed of the LDP and its junior partner, Kōmeitō, lost its majority in the house. While the center-left Constitutional Democratic party maintained its position as the largest opposition group, the breakout success of the election was that of Sanseitō, an ultranationalist populist party. Sanseitō successfully framed immigration as a central issue in the election campaign, with the provocative slogan 'Japanese First.' The party won 14 seats in the 248-seat chamber, a substantial jump from the single seat it won in the last election in 2022. Sanseitō calls itself a party of 'ordinary Japanese citizens with the same mindset who came together.' It was formed in 2020 by Sōhei Kamiya, a conservative career politician who served as a city councillor in Suita, a city in Osaka Prefecture, before being elected to the House of Councillors. Although Sanseitō was initially known for its stance against the Covid-19 vaccine, it has more recently campaigned on an anti-foreigner and anti-immigration platform. The party, which also holds three seats in the powerful lower house, has quickly gained seats in regional and national elections. It most recently won three seats in Tokyo's prefectural elections in June 2025. Sanseitō is 'anti-globalist,' urging voters to feel proud of their ethnicity and culture. Polls suggest the party is popular among younger men aged between 18 and 30. Throughout the most recent election campaign, Kamiya repeatedly spread far-right conspiracy theories and misinformation. This included arguing that multinational corporations had caused the pandemic, as well as that foreigners commit crimes en masse and can avoid paying inheritance tax. Social media have amplified Sanseitō's xenophobic messaging. Sanseitō's electoral success is reminiscent of other right-wing populist parties across Europe and North America, which also place immigration as a core issue. Kamiya denies being a xenophobe. But he has expressed support for the Republican party in the US, Reform in the UK, Alternativ für Deutschland in Germany and Rassemblement National in France. Echoing other right-wing populist leaders, Kamiya has promised tax cuts, home-grown industries, regulation of foreigners and patriotic education. However, while Sanseitō rides the global wave of right-wing populism, it also has deeply Japanese roots. Following Japan's defeat in the Second World War, a distinct current of right-wing thought developed, defending 'traditional values' and glorifying Japan's imperial past. Tensions have flared periodically over issues such as history education and official visits to Yasukuni Shrine, where those who died in service of Japan – including military leaders convicted of war crimes – are commemorated. There have also been disputes around the memorialization of so-called 'comfort women' alleged to have been forced into sex slavery by Japanese forces before and during the war. Building on these currents, Sanseitō represents a new generation of Japanese conservatism, not just an emulation of foreign populist leaders. Sanseitō's rise could have a pivotal influence on Japan's political landscape. While the prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has indicated he will not resign, the ruling coalition has now lost control of both houses. Ishiba may need to seek support from other parties and may face leadership challenges. He also must respond to issues Sanseitō has raised. LDP policymakers are now aware of public anxieties surrounding migration, excessive tourism and cultural integration. Seeking to co-opt some of Sanseitō's proposals, the government has already banned tourists from driving and set up a new government agency to address concerns about non-Japanese nationals. It has also pledged to reduce illegal immigration to zero. But the government is facing steep economic and demographic challenges, such as US tariffs, a rapidly ageing and declining population, and a record-low birth rate. So it cannot afford to cut immigration dramatically. Policymakers will have to balance economic needs with hardening public attitudes towards foreigners. It's not just immigration that will be at stake. Ishiba will need to navigate wedge issues that could split the LDP's conservative support base. These include same-sex marriage, the use of separate surnames by married couples and female succession to the throne. It's too early to say whether Sanseitō can sustain its momentum. Numerous populist leaders in Japan before Kamiya have succeeded in turning mistrust of the political class into votes at the ballot box. However, few have been able to translate it into meaningful political change across multiple election cycles. For instance, Shinji Ishimaru made headlines in 2024 after placing second in the race for Tokyo governor. But his Path to Reform party, which promised educational reform, struggled in the latest election. Reiwa Shinsengumi, the left populist party led by Tarō Yamamoto, also enjoyed success in previous elections but remains small. Only time will tell if Sanseitō will become a major political party or yet another minority group on the fringes. But it's clear anti-immigration populism has arrived in Japan. And it looks like it's here to stay. Rin Ushiyama is a lecturer in sociology, Queen's University Belfast. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .
