What's happened
In July 2025, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in the upper house amid rising inflation and economic concerns. The far-right Sanseito party, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic and inspired by Donald Trump's style, surged from one to 15 seats, campaigning on anti-immigration and conservative social policies. This shift challenges Japan's political stability and upcoming US trade talks.
What's behind the headline?
Political Landscape Shift
The July 2025 upper house election marks a significant realignment in Japanese politics. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), long a dominant force, lost its majority in the upper house, reflecting widespread voter frustration over inflation, especially soaring food prices like rice, and economic stagnation.
Rise of Sanseito
Sanseito's leap from a fringe party with a single seat to securing 15 seats signals the mainstreaming of far-right populism in Japan. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanseito capitalized on conspiracy theories, anti-globalism, and anti-immigration rhetoric, echoing themes seen in Western populist movements. Its "Japanese First" slogan and calls to restrict immigration resonate with voters anxious about cultural identity and economic security amid Japan's aging population.
Impact on Governance and Policy
The LDP's weakened position forces it to negotiate with opposition parties, including Sanseito, complicating governance. Sanseito's conservative social agenda, including opposition to gender equality policies and immigration, challenges Japan's traditionally centrist political consensus. This fragmentation risks political instability at a critical moment as Japan faces a looming US tariff deadline.
Economic and Social Implications
Inflation and cost-of-living pressures, particularly the doubling of rice prices, have eroded public confidence in the government. Sanseito's scapegoating of immigrants for economic woes, despite their small population share, reflects and amplifies social tensions. The party's rise may embolden similar nationalist sentiments, influencing Japan's immigration policies and social cohesion.
Forecast
Japan's political future will likely involve coalition complexities and policy shifts toward more conservative, nationalist stances. The LDP must balance appeasing its traditional base while managing the growing influence of far-right parties. This dynamic will shape Japan's domestic policies and its critical trade negotiations with the US, with potential repercussions for economic stability and international relations.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlights Sanseito's rapid rise from a single seat to 15 in the upper house, noting its anti-immigration and conspiracy-driven platform inspired by Donald Trump. It details leader Sohei Kamiya's controversial statements and the party's appeal amid inflation and cost-of-living concerns. Bloomberg frames the election as a test of Japan's political consensus, emphasizing the LDP's losses due to rising prices. The South China Morning Post provides a detailed profile of Sanseito's origins on YouTube, its "Japanese First" campaign, and its impact on shifting Japan's politics rightward, including the party's stance on gender roles and immigration. Al Jazeera underscores the party's mainstream breakthrough and voter frustration driving its support, while also noting that immigration concerns rank lower than economic issues in polls. The Guardian focuses on the election's implications for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, the LDP's potential loss of upper house control, and the rise of Sanseito as a populist force, including voter sentiments and the party's controversial policies. The Japan Times discusses the LDP's challenges, the economic backdrop of inflation and tariffs, and Sanseito's surprising electoral gains, highlighting the party's far-right rhetoric and the potential for political realignment. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a fracturing political landscape in Japan, driven by economic pressures and the rise of nationalist populism.
How we got here
Japan's LDP has governed almost continuously since 1955, maintaining political stability. However, economic stagnation, rising inflation, and demographic challenges have fueled voter dissatisfaction. Sanseito emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging social media to promote nationalist and anti-immigration views, gaining traction among disaffected voters.
Go deeper
- What policies does Sanseito promote?
- How will the election results affect Japan's trade talks with the US?
- Why is immigration a key issue in Japan's politics now?
Common question
-
What Does Japan's Upcoming Upper House Election Mean for Its Future?
Japan's upcoming Upper House election is sparking widespread concern about political stability, economic policies, and international relations. With the ruling LDP expected to lose its majority, many are asking what this could mean for Japan's leadership, economy, and global standing. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this pivotal election and what it could mean for Japan's future.
-
What Are the Key Global Stories Shaping Politics Today?
In today's rapidly changing world, several major events are shaping the political landscape across the globe. From conflicts and elections to social movements and diplomatic efforts, understanding these stories helps us grasp the bigger picture. Below, we explore some of the most pressing issues and answer common questions about their impact and significance.
-
What Does Japan's Election Result Mean for Its Future Policies?
Japan's recent upper house election has signaled a significant shift in its political landscape, with the ruling coalition losing its majority and rising support for a far-right party. This development raises questions about Japan's future policies, both domestically and internationally. How will this election impact Japan's economic strategies, immigration policies, and its relationship with the US? Below, we explore the key implications of Japan's election results and what they could mean for the country's future.
-
What Does the Rise of Far-Right Parties in Japan Mean for Its Democracy?
Japan's recent election signals a significant shift in its political landscape, with rising support for far-right parties like Sanseito. This development raises important questions about the future of Japan's democracy, its policies on immigration, and its international relations. Below, we explore the implications of this political shift and what it could mean for Japan and the world.
-
What is causing the rise of far-right parties like Sanseito in Japan?
Japan's recent elections have seen a significant shift to the right, with the rise of parties like Sanseito. This surge is driven by economic concerns, demographic changes, and growing anti-immigration sentiments. Many are wondering what this means for Japan's future and its relations with other countries. Below, we explore the key questions about this political shift and its wider implications.
-
What Does the Rise of Far-Right Parties Like Sanseito Mean for Japan and Global Politics?
Recent elections in Japan have seen a significant surge in support for far-right parties like Sanseito, challenging the long-standing dominance of the ruling coalition. This shift raises important questions about Japan's political future, its economic policies, and international relations. In this page, we explore what the rise of nationalist and populist parties signifies for Japan and beyond, and how it might influence global political dynamics.
-
How Is Japan's Political Shift and Rising Inflation Impacting Its Economy?
Japan is currently experiencing a significant political shift alongside rising inflation, raising questions about its economic future. The recent election results, which saw the rise of the far-right Sanseito party and the potential loss of the ruling coalition's majority, have sparked concerns among investors and citizens alike. How will these political changes influence Japan's economy, and what does it mean for global markets? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Japan's current economic and political landscape.
More on these topics
-
Shigeru Ishiba is a Japanese politician. Ishiba is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and of Heisei-Kenkyukai until 2011.
-
The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, frequently abbreviated to LDP or Jimintō, is a conservative political party in Japan.
The LDP has almost continuously been in power since its foundation in 1955—a period called the 1955 System—with the exception
-
Komeito, formerly New Komeito, is a centre to centre-right conservative political party in Japan founded by lay members of the new religious movement Soka Gakkai. Komeito became a partner of the current coalition government in 2012.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Shinzō Abe is a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020. He is the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history.
-
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan; CDP, frequently abbreviated to Minshutō, Rikkentō or Ritsumintō is a centre-left political party in Japan. The party is led by Yukio Edano.
-
NHK is Japan's national broadcaster. NHK, which has always been known by this romanized acronym in Japanese, is a statutory corporation funded by viewers' payments of a television license fee.