Japan’s Far-Right Sanseito Gains Traction Amidst Tourism boom, Fueled by Anti-Immigration Sentiment
Tokyo, Japan – As Japan celebrates record-breaking tourism figures, a surge in visitors and immigrants has become a focal point for the far-right Sanseito party, which is leveraging this demographic shift to bolster its anti-immigration discourse and advocate for stricter foreigner, citizenship, and security regulations. The party’s growing influence signals a potential shift in Japan’s political landscape, reflecting a segment of the population weary of the post-war liberal Democratic Party (PLD) dominance.
The influx of over 37 million visitors in 2024 has provided Sanseito wiht a platform to argue for increased restrictions on foreigners. This stance resonates with a segment of Japanese society seeking alternatives to the established political order. Paulo Watanabe, a Professor of International Relations at São Judas Tadeu University, observes that Sanseito is giving voice to an electorate previously unrepresented by the PLD.”They have always been there, but now they have gained voice,” Watanabe notes, highlighting the party’s appeal to voters who reject moderate government nationalism.
Watanabe suggests that sanseito’s primary impact lies in its ability to influence public debate rather than directly altering foreign policy. “This is a growing opposition, which aims to denounce the evils of current politics. But in practice things are quite different from speech,” he explains. The party’s electoral advance, characterized by a loyal following and considerable resources, marks a new phase in Japanese politics. Watanabe describes Sanseito as an opposition with “very different guidelines from the conventional, being an opposition of delicate management.”
Despite its rising prominence, Watanabe believes it is premature to assess any significant threat to Japanese democracy. “It’s too early to evaluate the risks. For now, I see one more speech focused on your supporters than a real rupture project,” he concludes.
