Sohei Kamiya, founder and secretary general of the nationalist Sanseito party, secured a significant victory in Japan's July 2024 upper house election. Campaigning on an anti-immigration, nationalist platform under the slogan "Japanese First," Sanseito won 14 seats, a substantial increase from its previous single seat. This success comes at the expense of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which lost its majority and suffered a net loss of 16 seats, falling to 47. Kamiya's campaign resonated with voters disillusioned with the LDP and other established parties, leveraging social media effectively to reach young voters.

Sanseito's platform includes promises of tax cuts, increased defense spending, and a more assertive foreign policy, particularly towards China. The party has been criticized for spreading misinformation, promoting conspiracy theories, and employing xenophobic rhetoric, including accusations of antisemitism. Kamiya has expressed admiration for leaders like Donald Trump and Marine Le Pen. The party's success has raised concerns about the rise of far-right nationalism in Japan, particularly its impact on minority groups and international relations.

The LDP's loss of its majority leaves it needing to negotiate with opposition parties, potentially giving Sanseito significant influence in shaping future legislation. Political analysts predict that Sanseito's success may be short-lived, however, suggesting that the party may struggle to meet the high expectations set by its campaign promises.

Impact Statement: Sanseito's electoral success signals a shift in Japanese politics, raising concerns about the increasing influence of far-right nationalism and its potential impact on domestic and foreign policy.