Will Japan’s Anti-Immigrant Far-Right Parties Win More Votes?
- Japan’s House of Councillors election approaches amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
- Far-right parties like Sanseito are gaining traction ahead of the election.
- The ruling Liberal Democratic Party faces declining support and potential challenges.
Growing Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Ahead of Election
As the House of Councillors election looms, which is happening on Sunday, rival parties in Japan are ramping up their campaigns, particularly around the theme of immigration. Surprise surprise, populist far-right groups are not holding back in their anti-immigrant rhetoric, seeking to lure voters with messages that bring to mind the tactics of the US Republicans under Donald Trump. This isn’t really new, but it feels like these parties are channeling hard-right movements sweeping across Europe as well.
Ultraconservative Groups Making Their Presence Felt
Among the parties stirring the pot, there’s the ultraconservative Sanseito, launched in 2020, which has carved out a spot in the polls, currently sitting fourth among ten contenders. Though not exactly dominating, with only around 5.9 percent support according to the latest NHK poll, a significant chunk of the electorate—about 33 percent—remains undecided. That’s a big number, and it makes this election’s outcome a pretty unpredictable affair.
Implications for Government Formation
Meanwhile, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is facing some serious challenges, caught in the crossfire of scandals and dwindling support, which is currently hovering at about 24 percent. Political analysts are predicting that this election could lead to a hung parliament, setting the stage for the LDP to negotiate with smaller parties to cling to power. Hardliner groups like Sanseito or even other right-leaning factions such as the Conservative Party of Japan and the Japan Innovation Party might find themselves in a position of power, pushing for significant roles in government.
In summary, as Japan approaches its important upper house election, the rising influence of far-right, anti-immigrant parties like Sanseito could reshape the political landscape significantly. The uncertain voter sentiment, combined with the current struggles of the LDP, raises the possibility of a fragmented parliament and a shift in governmental power dynamics. Overall, Japan seems poised for a challenging election that could have lasting implications on its immigration policies and political alignments.
