Photo credit: the Guardian
The emergence of a right-wing populist party in Japan’s election on Sunday running on a “Japanese First” slogan is raising concerns of a backlash against the growing foreign presence in the country.
The Guardian reports that the Sanseito Party has successfully tapped into the unease around an increasing population of immigrants and a huge influx of tourists after the pandemic. However, many think the underlying cause is economic insecurity among a population that both understands the need for overseas labour and visitors, and feels anxiety at the changes they bring and symbolise.
The party’s new contingent of 14 upper house lawmakers, up from a single seat in the previous election, is a breakthrough. But it is still a minor force in the 248-seat chamber.
In 2024, Japan had a record of 3.8 million foreign residents and tourist visits of over 20 million in the first quarter of this year. Tokyo’s property prices are rapidly rising because of wealthy foreign buyers.
