The Sanseito party rise reflects a growing wave of right-wing populism in Japan. Established in 2020 during the pandemic, the party quickly capitalized on public fears and frustrations. Sanseito, also known as the Party of Do It Yourself, aggressively challenges immigration policies, COVID-19 measures, and calls for rewriting Japan’s postwar Constitution.
Sanseito party rise began as it gained three seats in the October 2024 lower house election. Its leader, Sohei Kamiya, won re-election in May and aims to secure six seats in the upcoming upper house vote this summer. The party appeals largely to younger voters discontented by economic struggles and rapid social changes.
Supporters often express anger that foreigners receive better treatment than Japanese citizens. They worry about cultural shifts and foreign ownership of Japanese land. At a Sanseito gathering in Wakayama Prefecture, attendees debated rewriting the 1947 Constitution. Some proposed explicitly stating that “Japan belongs to the Japanese people” and banning foreign land ownership.
Many supporters also want to revive wartime nationalist slogans such as “Hakko Ichiu,” which once justified Japanese imperial expansion. This illustrates the party’s blend of nationalism and a desire to restore traditional values.
Young people have been drawn to the party partly because of pandemic fatigue. For instance, Sanseito’s opposition to mandatory mask-wearing attracted a 19-year-old vocational student who felt the masks were ineffective. She even began removing her mask at school despite warnings and now actively participates in party activities.
Meanwhile, an 18-year-old university student from Nara Prefecture supports Sanseito’s stance on limiting foreign land acquisition and tightening control over foreign workers. Introduced to the party by his father, he admires Kamiya’s charismatic speeches on YouTube.
As the Sanseito party rise continues, its supporters emphasize Japanese identity, food safety, and self-sufficiency. They criticize reliance on imported food and advocate for organic and locally produced options. The party’s growing influence shows how political frustration and nationalism are reshaping Japan’s political landscape.
