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Japan Forward
4 days ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Who's Afraid of Sanseito? Japan's New Conservative Party and Its Policies
As Japan heads into a national election, one unexpected political force is gaining ground – Sanseito (参政党). This relatively new party has stunned observers by polling as high as second place in some surveys, trailing only the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Foreign media have often dubbed Sanseito "far-right" for its nationalist slogans and sharp anti-globalist rhetoric. However, a closer look at the party's platform and philosophy reveals a more nuanced conservative agenda. It emphasizes traditional values, national sovereignty, and a pushback against what the party sees as the excesses of globalism. Founded in March 2020, Sanseito (meaning "Political Participation Party") was established by a group of conservative activists led by Sohei Kamiya. In the 2022 House of Councillors election, Sanseito fielded candidates nationwide and garnered over 2% of the vote. This earned the party its first seat in Japan's National Diet and official recognition as a political party. Since then, its presence has grown. As of mid-2025, the party holds two seats in the Upper House, three in the Lower House, and boasts over a hundred local assembly members across Japan. Sanseito's rapid rise from obscurity has been fueled by savvy use of social media, outdoor rallies, and an appeal to voters disillusioned with mainstream politics. In early July 2025, a Kyodo News poll even placed Sanseito second in voter preferences for Diet seats determined by nationwide proportional representation. Sankei Shimbun journalist Takashi Arimoto commented on this in the July 15 episode of Nippon Journal . "Sanseito's local ground game is strong," he said. "It's been built through their experience in LDP-aligned municipal networks. That's why in conservative areas like Toyama, the LDP is unexpectedly struggling against them." Sanseito proclaims itself a party championing tradition, family, and national pride. Central to its ideology is a reverence for the Emperor and Japan's heritage. Unlike more extreme nationalist groups, Sanseito embraces the legacy of the Meiji Restoration (1868) and the modern nation it created. The party "positions the Emperor-centric system as fundamental" to Japan and views Meiji-era modernization as a revival of the national polity , forming the basis of its conservative vision. This means Sanseito supports patriotic education and the revival of certain pre-war values, but within a modern context. For example, it praises the 1890 Imperial Rescript on Education for its universal moral principles. The party hopes to introduce updated moral education in schools, not to literally reinstate Meiji-era edicts, but to re-inculcate ethics and love of country in today's youth. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya gives a street speech. July 5, Osaka (©Sankei by Koichi Yamada) Crucially, Sanseito distinguishes itself from outright revisionist or ultranationalist factions. It does not glorify Japan's past militarism or seek to overturn the postwar democratic order. While Sanseito is critical of the prevailing postwar guilt narrative and one-sided critiques of Japan's wartime actions, it remains careful about assigning war responsibility. The party's view is to learn from the war's lessons for the future rather than to defend or romanticize Japan's wartime regime. Unlike hardline revisionists, Sanseito does not claim Japan was entirely in the right during WWII, nor does it adopt an anti-American or anti-Allies tone. In essence, Sanseito falls just slightly to the right of the stance held by the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, advocating pride in Japan's history and traditions. This more balanced historical perspective is a key point that sets Sanseito apart from the "far-right" label. In a recent interview with journalist Shinichiro Suda, Kamiya explained, "We don't want to whitewash the past. However, the younger generation deserves to learn about Japan's achievements and ideals, not just its mistakes. We want a balanced education that fosters national pride." He added that, "Our goal isn't regression — it's renewal." One of Sanseito's most talked-about positions is its "Japanese First" (日本人ファースト in Japanese) platform on immigration and national sovereignty. The party proposes tighter immigration controls, including setting a cap on foreign entrants and even establishing systems to check the loyalty to Japan of long-term foreign residents. Sanseito's policy book devotes substantial attention to managing foreign residency. It lists measures such as suspending welfare payments to non-citizens, restricting foreigners from holding sensitive public sector jobs, and establishing a dedicated government agency to oversee policies related to foreigners. Additionally, it advocates for limiting foreign ownership of Japanese land, particularly in strategic areas, due to security and cultural concerns. These stances have drawn criticism from liberal observers, who argue they risk fomenting xenophobia. Opponents often brand Sanseito's rhetoric as anti-immigrant or exclusionary. Indeed, the party's campaign catchphrase echoes the nationalist slogan of prioritizing one's own citizens, a concept that has parallels in movements overseas. Sanseito, however, defends this approach as common-sense patriotism rather than racism. "This is Japan — so shouldn't we create a system that genuinely serves the Japanese people?" asked Kamiya at a July 2025 rally. "Isn't it only natural to design our economic and tax policies to put our own citizens first?" In his view, prioritizing Japanese citizens in policy, from social welfare to job opportunities, is no different from other countries looking out for their national interests. Notably, Sanseito's rise has even pushed mainstream parties to take tougher stances on foreign residents. For example, the ruling LDP recently vowed to achieve "zero illegal foreigners" and to scrutinize foreign land purchases, moves widely seen as a response to Sanseito's popularity. On a July 11 episode of the internet news program Tora no Mon News , NHK Party candidate Satoshi Hamada observed: "Sanseito is clearly riding the backlash against LDP and Komeito's overly conciliatory immigration policies," he said. "It's 'Japanese First' position resonates especially with younger voters online." Sanseito's platform also emphasizes rebuilding Japan's social fabric through education reform, support for families, and health-conscious policy. One of the party's three core policy "pillars" is education. The party calls for strengthening traditional culture and ethics in school curricula, providing additional support for parents and children, and reversing the declining number of births. For instance, the party proposes generous child allowances and scholarships (with priority given to Japanese citizens) so that economic hardship does not deter child-rearing or education. It also advocates more diverse schooling options, such as free schools and even homeschooling, to accommodate children who don't thrive in standard classrooms. The underlying aim is to empower families and local communities to pass on values, rather than leaving everything to what Sanseito sees as a one-size-fits-all state education system. In terms of public health and food policy, Sanseito pushes for what it calls "food and health sovereignty." This includes promoting organic agriculture, reducing reliance on imported food, and maintaining Japan's high food safety standards. It opposes the privatization of essential services, such as the postal system and municipal water, instead advocating for government control over infrastructure critical to daily life. Sohei Kamiya, at the Japan National Press Club. Tokyo, July 2 (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai). The party gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic for its skepticism toward certain public health mandates. It vocally opposed blanket mask mandates, mass PCR testing, and vaccine requirements. Sanseito framed these measures as examples of government overreach influenced by global agendas, instead emphasizing personal health autonomy. The party's focus on natural food, preventive care, and self-sufficiency in essentials resonates with voters who are wary of globalization's impact on everyday life, from imported food additives to reliance on foreign supply chains for medicine. Sanseito even touts ambitious goals like achieving 100% food self-sufficiency through supporting domestic farmers and widespread organic farming. Experts, however, question the practicality of such goals. Organic methods generally yield less, and a full return to local farming might be unrealistic in a modern economy. Key proposals include lowering taxes, investing in rural public works, and protecting farmers and small businesses. Some ideas, like treating farmers as quasi-public employees, even echo policies found on the Japanese left. But what ties these proposals together is nationalism, not socialism. Their aim is to prevent Japan's wealth and sovereignty from flowing abroad, even if it means tolerating higher domestic costs. Sanseido's platform is reshaping Japanese politics by blending conservatism, populism, and grassroots activism while working within democratic norms. Understanding the new party on its own terms, rather than through stereotypes, is essential to making sense of where Japan's political map may be headed next. Author: Daniel Manning
08-07-2025
- Politics
UNESCO Panel Nixes S. Korean Request over Japan Heritage Site
News from Japan Culture World Jul 8, 2025 19:18 (JST) Seoul, July 8 (Jiji Press)--A UNESCO committee has rejected Seoul's request for a re-examination of Japan's handling of its Meiji-era industrial revolution sites on the World Heritage list, including now-defunct coal-mining facilities on the island of Hashima. The South Korean government on Tuesday expressed regret over the World Heritage Committee's decision the previous day. The island, widely known as Gunkanjima (battleship island), in the southwestern prefecture of Nagasaki, is a key item among the industrial revolution sites, which were registered as World Heritage sites in 2015. The South Korean government initially opposed the registration, saying that there were insufficient explanations about laborers from the Korean Peninsula who worked at the sites. But Seoul eventually gave its consent after Tokyo promised to ensure that full explanations would be given about the situation at the time. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
The Mainichi
29-06-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: University auditorium in Tokyo a blend of strength, beauty
TOKYO -- An auditorium at Japan Women's University in the Japanese capital was created to display both strength and beauty in its timber framing. Among the modern buildings on the campus in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, a structure exuding an elegant atmosphere catches the eye. The Naruse Memorial Auditorium originally opened in 1906 as the Homei Library Room & Auditorium. At the time, it featured brick walls, but after suffering significant damage in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, the bricks were removed, and the building was turned into a wooden structure. Inside the auditorium, a wooden truss structure disperses the weight of the roof with its beams arranged in triangles. The evenly spaced timber framing gives off a sense of orderly beauty within its robust design. Stained glass windows on each side of the stage add a touch of color to the serene setting. In 1961, as part of the university's 60th-anniversary commemorative projects, the auditorium underwent renovations that included structural reinforcement. At that time, the building was renamed in honor of the university's founder, Jinzo Naruse (1858-1919). Recognized as a valuable relic of Meiji-era (1868-1912) wooden auditorium architecture, it was designated a tangible cultural property by Bunkyo Ward in 1974. (Japanese original by Akihiro Ogomori, Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on March 19, 2023. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
Japan Forward
28-06-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
Explore Meiji-Era Elegance at Osaka's Former Public Hall
このページを 日本語 で読む Meiji-era Japan (1868–1912) was a time of rapid Westernization. This influence reached even architecture. A perfect example is the main entrance of the Old Sakuranomiya Public Hall in Osaka's Kita Ward. Today, it's a popular wedding venue and a symbol of early Meiji design. Until June 30, 2025, visitors can also enjoy dishes recreated from Meiji-era menus at the hall's retro and elegant restaurant. I visited in early May. From Minami-Morimachi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, it's just a short walk to the building, nestled among lush greenery. Its impressive main entrance is recognized as an Important Cultural Property and features six Tatsuyama stone pillars and grand doors. Across the street stands Senpukan, another Important Cultural Property. It once served as a guest house for the Japanese Mint Bureau. Together, these buildings create a charming atmosphere that feels like stepping back into the Meiji era. Inside the public hall, a lavish restaurant illuminated by sparkling chandeliers awaits visitors. The staircase handrail is said to be the original from when the building was constructed. Built in 1935 as the Meiji Emperor Memorial Hall, the Old Sakuranomiya Public Hall incorporates the main entrance from the early Meiji period Mint Foundry (now the Mint Bureau). This entrance was preserved and relocated here when the foundry was demolished. The large doors and lighting remain intact, just as they were originally installed. Today, the building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The hall, where Helen Keller once spoke, closed in 2007 and remained unused for many years. Osaka City, the owner, eventually sought a company to manage the site. Novarese took on the challenge, renovating and reopening the hall in 2013 as a wedding venue and restaurant. The main entrance of the Old Sakuranomiya Public Hall, featuring six impressive pillars, is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Because only old blueprints remained, there was little information about the original interiors or usage. Restoration was difficult. Still, preserved ceiling decorations and careful design brought the era's atmosphere back to life beautifully. "Welcome," said Tetsuya Ozaki, General Manager of Novarese's Osaka and Ashiya districts. The featured menu, called the "Meiji Feast," recreates dishes from the Meiji era based on historical records. It is available from April through June. I had the chance to enjoy a seven-course meal. A course meal inspired by a Meiji-era menu. The appetizer was steamed salmon chaudfroid — salmon gently cooked and topped with a mayonnaise-based sauce, resting on consommé jelly. Its charming retro presentation matched the harmonious flavors: rich salmon, tangy mayonnaise, and light consommé. For the fish course, I had sea bream stuffed inside red eggplant. The tender fish and potatoes were baked inside a tomato, balancing sweetness and acidity. Interestingly, during the Meiji period, vegetables were served before dessert to close the meal. The menu honors this tradition with asparagus, offering an experience of the dining culture of that time. Ozaki proudly noted, "This is the only place where you can enjoy Meiji-era cuisine in a building connected to Emperor Meiji [Mutsuhito]." Immersed in this historic atmosphere, I savored the luxurious, carefully recreated dishes. Author: Saki Maehara, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
The Mainichi
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Meiji-era school building in Okayama Pref. popular among cosplayers
TAKAHASHI, Okayama -- A wooden Meiji-era (1868-1912) building at a former elementary school in this western Japan city is a popular photo spot among cosplayers. Alarming notices, such as "regarding swords that can be drawn" and "firearms that can be brought in," appeared on the website of a certain event. What were they about? The notes were precautions for a cosplay event held at the former Fukiya Elementary School. While the "swords" and "firearms" in question referred to replicas and toys, restrictions were placed on what could be brought in to ensure safety. The wooden school building has been featured in TV dramas, movies and anime, making it a popular photo spot among cosplay enthusiasts. The event has been held at the site three times in the past. The east and west wings of the school were completed in 1900, and the main building was finished in 1909. Until its closure in March 2012, it was considered the oldest wooden school building still in use in Japan. This is an example of "pseudo-Western" school architecture representing the late Meiji era. The main building, with its clapboard siding, is symmetrically flanked by the east and west wings. The wide hallway on the main building's first floor also served as a gymnasium. Above it is a triangular truss structure framework, a distinctive feature of the pseudo-Western style. After the school closed, the building underwent preservation and repair work, and it has been open to the public since 2022. (Japanese original by Masashi Mimura, Osaka Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on June 1, 2025. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
