Anti-foreigner sentiments are on the rise across Japan

Outside a Tokyo train station, hundreds gathered to hear Sohei Kamiya, leader of the burgeoning nationalist party Sanseito, launch into a critique of Japan's expanding foreign population.

- Mari Yamaguchi, The Independent

Amidst accusations of racism from opponents, separated by police and bodyguards, Kamiya retorted, insisting his views were merely "common sense". Despite its current minor party status, Sanseito saw notable gains in July's parliamentary election. Its "Japanese First" agenda, championing anti-globalism, anti-immigration, and anti-liberalism, is now resonating more widely ahead of a crucial ruling party vote on Saturday, which is expected to determine Japan's next prime minister.

Such anti-immigrant policies, often used by populists to target easy scapegoats, are increasingly appealing to a Japanese populace grappling with stagnant wages, escalating living costs, and a pessimistic outlook for the future.