Editorial: Sanseito party must end its fear-mongering 'Japanese First' politics

The Mainichi

23-07-2025

Right-wing populist political party Sanseito campaigned on a "Japanese First" platform and significantly increased its contested seats from one to 14 in the July 20 House of Councillors election. This development has garnered international attention as an indication of Japan's rightward shift.
The party advocates for caution in accepting foreigners, calling for a ban on land purchases by foreigners in principle and ending welfare benefits for them. These positions align with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is strengthening regulations on immigrants, as well as the rise of populist parties in Europe.
Globalization has led to diminished international competitiveness of industries in developed countries, resulting in rising prices and low wages. Many people feel they have been left behind. Sanseito's appeal to "enrich Japanese people" resonated with voters anxious about the future, acting as a political home not only for conservatives who had previously backed the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) but also for unaffiliated voters.
Sanseito's surge is closely linked to the historic defeat of the LDP and its ruling junior coalition partner Komeito. It reflects dissatisfaction with the established parties' failure to effectively address issues such as inequality and ease the burden on the middle class.
However, Sanseito's pledges to reduce taxes and social insurance premiums could weaken the income redistribution system. It is questionable whether these measures will actually help reduce disparities and solve other problems. The party also pushes for making end-of-life care, including life-sustaining treatment, entirely self-funded. Careful debate is necessary as this is an issue of life or death.
Sanseito also opposes the introduction of a selective separate surname system for married couples and same-sex marriage, and calls for a repeal of the LGBT understanding promotion law. These policies run counter to efforts toward gender equality and could diminish society's vitality. The draft for a new Japanese Constitution the party released in May omits many basic human rights guaranteed by the current Constitution, such as equality under the law and freedom of thought, conscience and expression.
The slogan "Japanese First" will be interpreted as a divisive message that builds barriers based on nationality. There are concerns that such rhetoric will foster a climate of excluding the weak and promoting discrimination.
With the ruling coalition having lost its majority in both chambers of the Diet, Sanseito says it will decide its stance on each policy individually, potentially giving it the casting vote. The party apparently aims to increase its seats further in the next House of Representatives election and seek to join the reins of government.
The growing fragmentation of the political landscape is increasing political instability. Politicians must refrain from methods that stoke social anxiety and deepen divisions. The stance of building consensus by listening to diverse voices without falling into exclusionism is needed in politics.