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Commentary: The far-right rises in Japan, but will it endure?
Commentary: The far-right rises in Japan, but will it endure?

CNA

time3 hours ago

  • Politics
  • CNA

Commentary: The far-right rises in Japan, but will it endure?

PERTH: Japan's Upper House election on Jul 20 was about more than Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition losing its majority, and whether he will now resign. It signalled a new phase in Japanese politics, with the 'Japanese First' Sanseito party emerging as a major victor. What was once a fringe sentiment expressed by a few conservatives has now taken centre stage. A defining feature of the election was the politicisation of foreigner-related issues, led by Sanseito's aggressive campaign to revise government policies that have allowed a 'silent invasion'. This hardline stance forced other parties to address the topic, making immigration policy a central issue. This marked a stark contrast to the Lower House election just months earlier, when the emphasis was on expanding foreign labour recruitment. Sanseito now has 14 seats in the 248-seat chamber, up from just one that it secured three years prior. It now holds enough seats to independently submit legislation in the Upper House, except for budget Bills. TAPPING INTO PUBLIC ANXIETIES Immigration has long been a sensitive issue in a rapidly ageing Japan facing chronic labour shortages, though the growing unease is also about overtourism. It comes at a time when the country reported both a record number of foreign residents (3.77 million as of the end of 2024) and a record number of tourists (21.51 million in the first half of 2025). Sanseito openly advocates for stopping welfare benefits to foreigners, restricting their hiring and enforcing stricter cultural conformity – even proposing a system to 'check the loyalty' of foreigners. These exclusionary narratives have gained traction by tapping into public anxieties, particularly those driven by economic hardship and social uncertainty. Such rhetoric has created a distorted sense of crisis, suggesting that Japan is being 'overrun' by foreigners and is somehow losing its national identity. In reality, Japan's foreign residents – roughly one in every 33 people – are vital contributors to society. They pay taxes, work in critical industries and help maintain essential public services. Blaming them for the country's challenges is not only factually wrong but also dangerously divisive. The party's rise has not come without controversy. Sanseito has been widely criticised for spreading misinformation. Fact-checking initiatives by media outlets intensified during the election, with many articles flagged as misinformation focused on claims relating foreigners to crime or preferential treatment. BEHIND THE SURGE So, who are the voters behind Sanseito's surge? The answer lies partly in changing voter demographics. While the ruling coalition suffered heavy losses, parties like Sanseito gained significant ground – especially among younger voters. Turnout increased most notably among people in their 20s to 40s, while elderly participation remained flat. This generational shift helped fuel Sanseito's rise. Its success can also be attributed to its savvy digital election strategy. Survey data suggests that those who favoured Sanseito were heavily influenced by video-sharing sites and social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and often harboured deep distrust of traditional media and government institutions. This made them more inclined to shift political allegiance – an opening Sanseito was quick to exploit. The party dominated online search trends and amassed over 100 million views on YouTube. In this election, voter turnout reached levels high enough to impact the outcome, particularly among new participants mobilised through social media platforms. Estimates suggest this group may have accounted for 3 to 5 million votes, a large portion of which likely went to Sanseito. IS JAPAN HEADED DOWN FAR-RIGHT PATH? Against this backdrop, the national debate over immigration and identity is intensifying. Why has the issue of foreign residents become such a political flashpoint now? It is a pivotal moment for Japan to seriously reflect on the benefits and challenges of immigration – and to consider what kind of society it wants to be. Whether 'Japanese First' takes the same shape as 'America First' or whether Sanseito will follow in the footsteps of far-right parties in Europe like Alternative for Germany or Reform UK remains to be seen. Sanseito has tapped into a similar economic anxiety and public frustration to attract protest votes against the political establishment. Unlike European 'immigration nations', however, Japan has consistently rejected the notion of adopting a formal immigration policy. Successive prime ministers have emphasised that the acceptance of foreign workers is a labour policy – not an integration strategy. The foreign resident population also remains relatively low at about 3 per cent in Japan – compared to the European Union, where 6.4 per cent of residents were non-EU citizens as of January 2024. Japan is unlikely to face the deep polarisation seen in parts of Europe. Despite the LDP-Komeito coalition losing its Upper House majority, potential alliances with other conservative parties, such as the Democratic Party for the People and Nippon Ishin, suggest continued political stability. As in Europe, where populist parties have often moderated once in power, Sanseito's true direction will become clearer in parliamentary deliberations. Although sweeping policy changes are unlikely in the short term, symbolic shifts are already evident. Even before the latest election, the Democratic Party for the People and Nippon Ishin re-submitted a Bill to regulate land acquisitions by foreigners. The Ministry of Education recently excluded international students from a major research grant programme, responding to concerns that they made up 40 per cent of recipients. While these moves may not immediately impact daily life, they signal a growing exclusionary undercurrent that could subtly but significantly reshape Japan's foreigner-related policies. But one thing is clear: If exclusionary politics continue to gain ground, Japan risks eroding its longstanding identity as a peaceful and inclusive society. Building consensus across diverse views and backgrounds is the only viable path forward for Japan's future.

LDP plans to hold decision-making Joint Plenary Meeting next week
LDP plans to hold decision-making Joint Plenary Meeting next week

NHK

time6 hours ago

  • Politics
  • NHK

LDP plans to hold decision-making Joint Plenary Meeting next week

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is arranging to convene a key decision-making meeting as early as late next week. The move comes as Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who heads the party, faces pressure to step down to take responsibility for the LDP's losses in the recent Upper House election. On Tuesday, Ishiba and other LDP executives decided to hold the Joint Plenary Meeting of both houses of the Diet. The decision was made amid moves to increase pressure on Ishiba to step down through the Joint Plenary Meeting. During a meeting of party lawmakers on Monday, it was reportedly suggested that the Joint Plenary cannot terminate the position of LDP president. Some within the party say similar arguments will be repeated if the Joint Plenary Meeting is held. The agenda is still to be determined. Ishiba has said he intends to explain himself carefully and sincerely without running away. He is expected to seek understanding to remain in office, citing the need to avoid a political vacuum. But the secretary-general of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Ogawa Junya, says Ishiba's insistence on staying in office is itself creating a major political vacuum. Describing Ishiba as a bad loser, Ogawa said he is seriously concerned that there will be various disruptions, including to policies, which will ultimately affect the public. Regarding a no-confidence motion, Ogawa only said the matter will be decided comprehensively in a timely and appropriate manner.

NDA MPs in Rajya Sabha hail govt decision to respond decisively to Pahalgam attack
NDA MPs in Rajya Sabha hail govt decision to respond decisively to Pahalgam attack

The Print

time7 hours ago

  • Politics
  • The Print

NDA MPs in Rajya Sabha hail govt decision to respond decisively to Pahalgam attack

For the first time, people were identified by religion and shot in cold blood in the Pahalgam attack, he said. Participating in a debate in the Upper House, NCP MP Praful Patel said the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir shook the conscience of the nation. New Delhi, Jul 29 (PTI) Ruling alliance MPs in the Rajya Sabha hailed the government's 'decisive action' against the Pahalgam terror attack, which was discussed during a special discussion on Operation Sindoor in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Patel added that the entire nation stood in solidarity while the government responded 'decisively with venom and power' to safeguard the well-being of the nation. Patel said when terror incidents happened before, India earlier couldn't do much except blaming Pakistan but when the Pahalgam attack happened, within 10-15 days of the incident, the government took a firm decision to respond and destroyed nine terror camps. Every Indian is proud that the government is capable of providing them security, the NCP leader said. He also hailed the armed forces for destroying the terror camps and 11 air bases with precision. According to Patel, the armed forces attacked hills, adjacent to the nuclear assets of Pakistan, giving them a message that India can destroy their nuclear setups too. Our government has decided to give a message that India will not keep quiet in case of terror attacks, Patel said. Shiv Sena MP from Maharashtra Milind Deora said the Pahalgam attack left a deep scar on the people of Maharashtra because they majorly contribute to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the Maharashtra government paid Rs 5 lakh and other assistance to the family of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the pony operator, who was killed while trying to save tourists in the Pahalgam terror attack. Deora, while highlighting the significant increase in the country's defence prowess, said India attacked 100 km inside in the heart of Pakistan which it had never been done before. He also appreciated government efforts in enhancing national security and cited examples to highlight the considerable decline in the terror and naxal activities in the country, especially in Maharashtra. Deora said that India should push for denuclearisation of Pakistan and act swiftly and preemptively against terror camps in Pakistan. 'The fact that Operation Sindoor is still active today, we must act preemptively. We must ensure that there is no terror attack in India ever again,' Deora said. Samik Bhattacharya, BJP MP from West Bengal, said the whole world should make efforts to eliminate terrorism. PTI JP JP SKY SKY This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Recovery amount at Rs 338 crore: Govt raised tax demand of Rs 35,104 crore under foreign black money law over last 10 years
Recovery amount at Rs 338 crore: Govt raised tax demand of Rs 35,104 crore under foreign black money law over last 10 years

Indian Express

time8 hours ago

  • Business
  • Indian Express

Recovery amount at Rs 338 crore: Govt raised tax demand of Rs 35,104 crore under foreign black money law over last 10 years

The government has raised tax demand of Rs 35,104 crore under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 over the last decade, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. However, recovery amount in the form of tax, penalty and interest demand under the Act has been much lower at Rs 338 crore during July 1, 2015 to March 31, 2025 along with 163 prosecution complaints filed till March 31, 2025, data shared in the Upper House showed. In a written response to a question by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, wherein he asked about details of international deposits, Chaudhary said tax demand of Rs 21,719 crore has been created as a result of completed assessments under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 during July 1, 2015 to March 31, 2025. In addition, tax demand of Rs 13,385 crore has been raised till March 31, 2025 on account of penalties imposed under various sections of the Act. On the question of whether Indian-linked funds in Swiss banks surged more than three times the previous year's amount, Chaudhary said there are some media reports based on Swiss National Bank (SNB) statistics which mention that Indian linked funds in Swiss banks have risen in 2024 as compared to previous year's amount. However, Chaudhary, pointed out that as per Swiss authorities, the data in respect of SNB statistics includes, inter alia, amounts due in respect of customer deposits (including in foreign branches of Swiss Banks located in any country), other liabilities as well as amounts due to banks. 'The Swiss authorities have also clarified that the SNB annual banking statistics should not be used for analysing deposits held by residents of India in Switzerland,' he said. Indian money in Swiss banks more than tripled in 2024 to 3.5 billion Swiss francs (CHF), or approximately Rs 37,600 crore on the back of a huge jump in funds held through local branches and other financial institutions, news agency PTI had reported last month. On the query to provide details of outstanding tax demand raised from the data shared with India via Automatic Exchange of Information under India-Switzerland tax agreement, the Minister said there is no centralised data for the specific query on country-wise undisclosed foreign income and the action taken. 'Tax demand arising in cases of undisclosed foreign income or assets can pertain to multiple jurisdictions. Country-wise bifurcation of such demand is not maintained centrally,' Chaudhary said. For details and status of enquiries conducted regarding Swiss holdings, the Minister said such enquiries are conducted on a case-by-case basis by the jurisdictional authorities. 'Whenever any instance of tax evasion is detected, appropriate action under Direct Tax Laws, including searches, surveys, enquiries, assessment of income, levy of taxes, penalties, as well as filing of prosecution complaints in criminal courts, as may be applicable, is taken,' he said. Replying to the question about the steps taken to recover unpaid taxes, penalties, or interest by Indian citizens or entities holding Swiss deposits, Chaudhary said the Income Tax Department has established a mechanism for recovery of demand that consists of outstanding tax, penalty and interest as per the provisions of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, which apply to cases of undisclosed foreign income and assets in any country abroad. Such taxes, penalties and interest form part of the total tax liability of each assessee and is recovered in accordance with law, he said. Aanchal Magazine is Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and reports on the macro economy and fiscal policy, with a special focus on economic science, labour trends, taxation and revenue metrics. With over 13 years of newsroom experience, she has also reported in detail on macroeconomic data such as trends and policy actions related to inflation, GDP growth and fiscal arithmetic. Interested in the history of her homeland, Kashmir, she likes to read about its culture and tradition in her spare time, along with trying to map the journeys of displacement from there. ... Read More

LDP executives to hold decision-making Joint Plenary Meeting soon
LDP executives to hold decision-making Joint Plenary Meeting soon

NHK

time13 hours ago

  • Politics
  • NHK

LDP executives to hold decision-making Joint Plenary Meeting soon

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to convene a key decision-making meeting soon. The move comes as Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, who heads the party, faces pressure to take responsibility for the LDP's losses in the recent Upper House election. Ishiba and other LDP executives decided on Tuesday to hold the Joint Plenary Meeting of both houses of the Diet. Ishiba referred to harsh criticism of him at a meeting of party lawmakers the previous day. He said he will accept the opinions in good faith, and make appropriate decisions on the management of the party and his administration. LDP Secretary-General Moriyama Hiroshi later told reporters that party members have called for the Joint Plenary to be held, and such calls should be respected. The party's mid-ranked and young lawmakers have been collecting signatures to seek the Joint Plenary. Moriyama said it is possible to convene the meeting without going through such procedures. Moriyama said the Chair of the Joint Plenary will listen to the opinions of the lawmakers who have been calling for the meeting. Asked if the Joint Plenary could decide to bring forward the date of the party's presidential election, Moriyama said the issue is extremely complicated. He suggested that the party's presidential election management committee would be involved in the issue.

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