Sanseito courts controversy with 'Japanese First' slogan

Critics warn of xenophobia, decry ‘ultra-right-wing party’ and historical revisionism, writes Daisuke Sato

- Daisuke Sato

Japan’s populist Sanseito party stunned the nation when it gained several seats in July's upper house election.

But its “Japanese First” slogan has been widely criticised as xenophobic, and foreign residents of Japan are concerned about rising discrimination.

In 2024, the number of Japan’s foreign residents rose more than 10% to 3.76 million, a new record for the third year in a row and making up just over 3% of the population. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya has used that growth to fan fears about newcomers, but denies any intention to discriminate against them.

First elected to parliament in 2022, Mr Kamiya has said that the strong support for his party signalled voter expectations for cutting taxes, boosting public spending to support the economy, and curbing the influx of foreign workers into the ageing nation despite acute labour shortages.

Shin Sugok is a third-generation Korean in Japan who works as a human resources development consultant and representative of an organisation fighting hate speech. She’s concerned about the Japanese First movement's potential to fuel discrimination, exclusion, and even mob violence.

During the election campaign, she received numerous complaints from foreigners of Asian descent who said they were no longer able to walk the streets because they feared for their safety. Others are afraid of having their names called during hospital visits or when ordering something by phone.