Trump-Inspired Sohei Kamiya Shakes Up Japanese Politics with ‘Japanese First’ Surge

In a political earthquake that few saw coming, Japanese populist Sohei Kamiya and his Sanseitō party have stormed onto the national stage, securing 14 seats in the recent Upper House elections. This unexpected rise of a 47-year-old former supermarket manager turned political firebrand signals a seismic shift in Japan’s traditionally staid political landscape.

Kamiya, drawing clear inspiration from Donald Trump’s playbook, has captivated a significant chunk of younger voters—over 20% of those aged 18 to 40 threw their support behind Sanseitō. His ‘Japanese first’ mantra echoes a familiar populist tone, promising to bolster national culture, boost birth rates, and tackle food self-sufficiency while questioning Japan’s reliance on immigration. Though his party lacks the numbers to push legislation alone with just 15 of 248 seats, their influence is undeniable.

What’s driving this surge? Kamiya’s social media prowess has been a game-changer. He first gained traction by railing against COVID-19 policies like mask mandates and vaccine requirements, resonating with a frustrated public. But beyond the digital hype, his goals—protecting and growing Japan—don’t strike everyone as extreme. Some analysts argue that Sanseitō’s positions aren’t a radical lurch to the right, especially when compared to the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has its own hardline elements.

Yet, Kamiya’s stance on immigration remains a lightning rod. When criticized as xenophobic—a label even thrown by foreign leaders—he fired back, defending Japan’s cautious approach as a lesson learned from others’ missteps. Meanwhile, his push for cultural traditionalism, lower taxes, and self-reliance (Japan’s food sufficiency sits at a dismal 38%) could clash with existing trade deals, like the massive $550 billion agreement with the U.S. that’s set to spike American rice imports by 75%.

Looking ahead, Sanseitō’s future is uncertain. Kamiya has no interest in coalition-building, and his party’s success will depend on proving they’ve got workable policies. But with the LDP floundering—now in the minority in both houses for the first time since 1955—and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba struggling for relevance, Kamiya’s inward-looking vision might just find more fertile ground. Japan, often slow to change, could be on the cusp of a dramatic pivot. Watch this space.