Japanese Populist Politician Sohei Kamiya’s Rise Under Trump-Inspired ‘Japanese First’ Movement Captures Young Voters

Japanese populist Sohei Kamiya has made a significant impact with his Sanseitō Party, securing 14 seats in Japan’s Upper House elections and drawing a substantial following from young voters. The party’s ‘Japanese first’ platform emphasizes cultural preservation, birth rate increase, and food security. Inspired by Donald Trump’s leadership style, Kamiya’s rise has sparked discussions about the shifting political landscape in Japan. However, the party currently lacks the power to submit legislation, as holding 15 of 248 Upper House seats is not enough for that.

Kamiya has gained early support through his opposition to mask mandates, PCR testing, and vaccine requirements during the pandemic, while also adopting a ‘Japanese first’ slogan akin to Trump’s MAGA motto. The Western media often labels Kamiya and his party as far-right or xenophobic, but analysts suggest that his goals are fairly populist and not an extreme shift to the right wing. The Japanese government has recently faced criticism for its immigration stance, with former President Joe Biden calling Japan ‘xenophobic.’ Kamiya addressed this by stating that Japan’s approach is ‘cautious after seeing your failures,’ indicating a defensive posture against foreign interference.

While the party’s focus on reducing U.S. rice imports and potentially converting farmers into public sector employees presents challenges, Kamiya’s political strategy appears to be gaining traction, signaling a potential shift in Japan’s political direction. Analysts suggest that Kamiya’s rise is a reflection of broader dissatisfaction with the current political establishment and a desire for more culturally grounded policies. The party’s influence, however, remains limited due to its insufficient legislative power, though its appeal to younger voters indicates a growing presence in the political arena.