Who Is Sōhei Kamiya AKA Japan's Donald Trump? A YouTuber, teacher wins election in Japan
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
3 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Country should retain Bharatiya identity, says RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
KOCHI: 'Viksit Bharat' should be economically strong and contribute to the development of the world, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said in Kochi on Sunday. Addressing the Gyan Sabha organised by the Siksha Sanskrithi Utthan Nyas at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, he said it will help earn respect. 'India should grow strong and economically powerful. Viksit Bharat will not attack any country. In fact, we never conquered any country in history,' he said. Talking about 'Bharatiyata in education', the theme of the Gyan Sabha, Bhagwat said the country should retain its identity. 'Bharat is a proper noun and shouldn't be translated. Will you translate the name Gopal to cow herder in English? The identity of Bharat is deeply rooted in its tradition and preserving the identity will help to earn respect. Bharat should be Bharat whether in writing or speech. A lion will get respect only in the wild and not in circus,' he said. Pointing out that the purpose of education is to help a person develop personality, Bhagwat said a person should be able to express his thoughts and feelings. 'Bharatiya education system and our tradition teaches to share and sacrifice for others. Our tradition is deeply rooted in culture and we should know the culture to impart it to our children,' he said. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who presided over the function, said the New Education Policy (NEP) is the first attempt by India to decolonise our education system. 'We were under the influence of colonial thought, which changed our thought process. The NEP is different from what was being taught in the country. People say India is a golden bird. But we should be a roaring lion and the roar should be heard across the world,' Arlekar said. Siksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas national secretary Atul Kothari and Association of Indian Universities secretary general Pankaj Mittal were among those who spoke on the occasion.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Bharat' should not be translated, or it will lose its identity: RSS chief
Kochi: 'Bharat' should not be translated as otherwise it would lose its identity and the respect it enjoys in the world, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday, while asserting that the country no longer has to be the 'golden bird' as it was time for it to become 'a lion'. 'Bharat' should not be translated, or it will lose its identity: RSS chief 'Bharat is a proper noun. It should not be translated. Bharat must remain Bharat. It's because if we lose our identity, whatever other meritorious qualities you may have, you will not be respected or secure in the matters and identity depends on your 'sanskriti' (culture). I don't use the word 'culture'. The word we use is 'dharma sanskriti' and it doesn't have an English name. Our culture is associated with traditions,' Bhagwat said at the national education conference, 'Gyan Sabha', organised by the RSS-linked Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas in Kochi, Kerala. Asserting that India has to become strong and wealthy from an economic point of view, he said: 'India does not have to be a 'golden bird' anymore. Instead, today's situation demands that India needs to become a lion, because the world recognises strength, not ideals. Bharat should be strong economically too. The world's best technologies must be visible here too. Without it, the world will not give us value.' 'We don't want to rule the world. We want the world to be a good place,' he added. Kerala governor Rajendra Arlekar, who was present at the event, echoed Bhagwat's views. 'The next generation will no longer be a golden bird. It wants to see Bharat as a golden lion. The whole world will see and hear this lion roar. We are not here to destroy anyone, but to give something new to the world for its development,' he said. Bhagwat, speaking on the topic 'Indianness in education', exhorted the audience to 'know Bharat and be a part of Bharat' in order to instil 'Indian-ness' or 'Bharateeyata' in education. 'In the education sector, we need reforms in a lot of areas. It should not be restricted to the curriculum alone,' he said. During the event, Arlekar hailed the National Education Policy 2020 as the first and serious attempt at decolonising our minds and educational institutions. 'With NEP, our thinking has been changed, how we view our culture and our are 'Vishwa Guru' today. We have to assert it properly. Our rulers failed to assert it properly back in 1947 when we achieved political freedom,' he said, adding that use of terms like 'mummy and papa' for mother and father in Indian households are proof of the 'damage' caused by the 'previous education system'. 'We are to be blamed for it, how such terms entered our families and households,' he added.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
Stock futures rise as Trump, EU reach tariff deal
Stock-index futures climbed after the European Union struck a deal with President Donald Trump that will see the bloc face 15% tariffs on most exports, averting a potentially damaging trade war. ADVERTISEMENT S&P 500 contracts rose 0.4% and those for European stocks jumped 1%. The euro was slightly stronger against the dollar after the US-EU deal. Asian shares fluctuated at the open as Japanese equities declined 0.4%. Treasuries dipped slightly with yields on the 10-year gaining one basis point to 4.4%. Gold edged lower and oil was marginally higher. Investors are bracing for a busy week of data - including meetings of the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan - and earnings from megacap companies that could set the tone for the rest of the year in markets and the economy. Stocks have risen from their slump in April as investors speculate the US will strike trade deals with countries and that will help avoid significant damage to company earnings and the global economy. 'A US trade deal with the EU sets the markets up for a positive start to the week, although market participants also confront one of the busiest weeks on the economic calendar for the year,' wrote Kyle Rodda, a senior market analyst at in and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU deal on Sunday at his golf club in Turnberry, Scotland, although they didn't disclose the full details of the pact or release any written hard-fought deal will see the bloc face 15% tariffs on most of its exports, including automobiles, staving off a trade war that could have delivered a hammer blow to the global economy. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, the US and China are expected to extend their tariff truce by another three months, the South China Morning Post reported. The report comes ahead of trade talks between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Stockholm on in Asia, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signaled he intended to stay in office despite a growing number of calls within the ruling party for him to step down. Later in the week, the Bank of Japan is set to keep interest rates unchanged with traders on alert for any signs of future guidance by the central bank. ADVERTISEMENT This week will also bring a US jobs report, while Magnificent Seven members Apple Inc., Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Meta Platforms Inc. are all due to report numbers. Robust corporate earnings have bolstered investor confidence in US stocks, as companies head for their highest share of beats since the second quarter of in trade deals, positive economic data and corporate resilience have offset worries that stocks are overheating. More than 80% of S&P 500 companies have exceeded profit estimates, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence. ADVERTISEMENT However, the risk of a bubble in stock markets is rising as monetary policy loosens alongside an easing in financial regulation, according to Bank of America Corp.'s Michael geopolitical news, Thailand and Cambodia are set to hold talks Monday to discuss an end to their deadly border clashes after US President Donald Trump warned Washington wouldn't make a trade deal with either country while the conflict continued. ADVERTISEMENT (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
