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. 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.
