TOKYO — A populist, anti-globalist movement, echoing MAGA-style rhetoric, is gaining traction in Japan through the upstart Sanseito party. Founded by former teacher Sohei Kamiya, the party opposes immigration, globalism, “radical” gender policies, decarbonisation, vaccines, and foreign capital, vowing to “bring power back to the people.”

While immigration ranks low among voter concerns, Sanseito blames it for wage stagnation, rising property prices, and social ills — though it denies being exclusionary. Critics warn of growing xenophobia and disinformation, some allegedly fueled by Russian bots.

Sanseito’s rise has pressured Japan’s ruling LDP to promise “zero illegal foreign nationals” and tougher immigration controls. Analysts say the movement may struggle to sustain support, noting past populist parties have quickly faded once the public mood shifts.