Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Party [Podcast Episode]

From Barrier Free Japan

July 9 2025

KOBE – Election time is once again upon us in Japan. Political parties are canvassing across the country, and despite the presence—and volume—of the ever-present “sound trucks” (vehicles outfitted with loudspeakers to help candidates broadcast their messages), it remains a refreshing experience to witness candidates and their supporters campaigning openly and directly for votes, even if one cannot cast a ballot oneself.

Still, it was somewhat unexpected when Barrier Free Japan, a foreign resident in Kobe was handed a leaflet by one of Japan’s more recently established and increasingly vocal political parties: Sanseito (参政党). Bright orange and emblazoned with the slogan “Don’t destroy Japan any further” (これ以上、日本を壊すな), the leaflet’s assertive tone immediately stood out. It promotes a platform built around the phrase “Japanese People First” (日本人ファースト), and outlines what the party calls its “three pillars” and “nine policies.”

Episode notes:

‘Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Party’:

Encountering ‘Sanseito’: Japan’s New Right-Wing Populist Party

*Correction: ‘Sanseito’ was formed in 2020 and won 1 seat in the House of Councillors in 2022 not a ‘couple’, as was stated in the podcast.