Support for the Sanseitō party in Japan is growing, but its “Japan First” stance is being criticized as xenophobic. This criticism isn’t only aimed at Sanseitō but also at other parties like the Democratic Party for the People and the Japan Conservative Party. These parties are accused of using anti-foreigner tactics to gain public support.
Sanseitō is facing strong backlash for its new constitutional ideas on naturalized Japanese citizens and its supporters’ hate speech. The “Japan First” idea, which prioritizes Japanese pride over others, seems to gain popularity amid economic uncertainty. Many Japanese feel anxiety over globalization and national identity erosion, a sentiment Sanseitō taps into with its anti-globalization policies.
Sanseitō leader Sohei Kamiya also criticizes globalization by targeting entities like big international finance and pharmaceutical companies, appealing to those feeling a loss of control. Many Japanese are anxious due to stagnant wages and believe Japan is declining, which increases pessimism.
Sanseitō’s policies focus on education, health, and national security, resonating with “soft conservatives” who feel threatened by globalization’s impact on their lives and identity. This group is wary of foreigners, foreign ideas, and products, like foreign medicine, which they see as threats to their way of life.
Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman suggests that seeing outsiders as dangerous gives people a focus for their anxieties, helping them feel more in control. Kamiya’s belief in valuing the intangible aspects of Japanese culture aligns with this approach, appealing to those who fear erosion of traditional values.
Overall, the Sanseitō is expanding its support base by addressing these widespread anxieties, positioning themselves as defenders of Japan’s identity and sovereignty in an uncertain world.
by MagazineKey4532