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Japan Is Entering the Populist Era

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 11:24 GMT by Time
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Japan’s Quiet Populist Revolution: The Rise of Sansei and Sohei Kamiya

The traditional political order of Japan has long been dominated by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a handful of post‑war institutions that have overseen a period of rapid economic growth, social stability, and an aging but content citizenry. But the 2023 elections revealed a growing disquiet among voters and a new wave of opposition that threatens to upend the status quo. Time’s in‑depth look at this emerging movement focuses on two of its most charismatic figures: Sansei, a nascent political party that draws its name from the “third‑generation” of Japanese emigrants, and its charismatic leader, Sohei Kamiya.

The Anatomy of Sansei

Sansei’s name is not just a clever branding exercise; it signals the party’s target demographic. The “third generation” of Japanese emigrants—those born in Japan but whose grandparents emigrated to the United States, Canada, and elsewhere—have historically felt a sense of cultural dislocation. They were educated in Japan but are often more socially and politically cosmopolitan than older generations. Sansei taps into that sense of being caught between two worlds by positioning itself as a “third way” that is neither the traditional LDP conservatism nor the more progressive Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

In the 2023 general election, Sansei captured 5.2 % of the national vote in the proportional‑representation portion of the ballots. While this may seem modest, it was enough to secure three seats in the House of Representatives and one in the House of Councillors—a foothold that could grow into a significant force if the party can maintain its momentum.

The party’s platform is built around four core pillars:

1. Economic Revitalization Through Basic Income – Sansei proposes a universal basic income (UBI) of ¥100,000 per month for all citizens over the age of 20 to address Japan’s stagnant wages and shrinking workforce.
2. Anti‑Elite and Anti‑Corporate Sentiment – It calls for stricter regulations on corporate political contributions and promises to break up monopolies that have long dominated the Japanese economy.
3. Immigration Reform – Sansei is a pro‑immigration party that argues that foreign workers are essential to Japan’s economic future and proposes a streamlined visa system for skilled workers.
4. Re‑assertion of National Sovereignty – In a subtle nod to anti‑foreign influence, the party pledges to renegotiate certain aspects of the U.S. security alliance and reduce Japan’s reliance on foreign technology.

Sohei Kamiya: The Street‑level Maverick

Sansei’s most striking feature is its leader, Sohei Kamiya. Kamiya’s name is itself a nod to Japan’s “sohei” or “holy warrior” tradition, a term that evokes the idea of an uncompromising champion of the people. He was born in Osaka in 1984, worked as a municipal clerk, and later joined the LDP as a policy advisor. His tenure with the LDP was cut short after a series of controversies over his outspoken criticism of “corporate lobbyists.” He resigned in 2018 and founded Sansei in 2019, branding himself as “the voice of the forgotten generation.”

Kamiya’s rhetorical style is an eclectic blend of earnest sincerity and populist flare. He speaks in short, punchy sentences and uses social media platforms—especially Twitter and TikTok—to reach younger voters. In one viral video, he was seen standing on a balcony in Tokyo, looking out over the city and declaring, “The real power belongs to you, not to the elites who sit in shiny rooms.” His style has resonated with a populace that has long felt that the government is out of touch.

Under Kamiya’s leadership, Sansei has held a series of “People’s Forums” that resemble town hall meetings. In these forums, members of the public can directly challenge party leaders, leading to a more transparent and participatory approach to governance. The party also runs an extensive volunteer network that mobilizes people to canvass door‑to‑door in traditionally LDP‑leaning districts.

The Broader Context

The rise of Sansei and Kamiya is part of a global trend of populist movements gaining traction in places previously considered political safe havens. According to scholars at the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Policy Studies, Japan’s aging population, economic stagnation, and a perceived loss of national identity have created fertile ground for anti‑establishment sentiment. While Japan’s populist wave is markedly different from the right‑wing populism of Europe and the Americas—there is no overt xenophobia, no overtly nationalist rhetoric—its core message is the same: “The elite are out of touch. The people should have a say.”

Time’s article also contextualizes the movement by referencing the “third wave” of populism that emerged in the 1990s. It quotes political scientist Dr. Akiyama Shinji, who notes that the LDP’s policy of “corporate welfare” (where the government supports large conglomerates, known as “keiretsu”) has eroded public trust. “We are seeing a new generation of politicians who are not afraid to challenge the keiretsu system,” Dr. Akiyama said.

Risks and Opportunities

While Sansei has made a splash, its long-term viability remains uncertain. The party’s success will depend on several factors:

• Electoral Reform – Japan’s mixed electoral system is designed to favor larger parties. If Sansei can push for reforms that give smaller parties a greater share of the seats, it could accelerate its growth.
• Policy Implementation – The UBI proposal, for instance, faces stiff opposition from fiscal conservatives who argue it would cripple Japan’s finances. If Sansei can build a coalition with other parties on certain reforms, it could gain credibility.
• Public Perception – Kamiya’s populist rhetoric has earned him both ardent supporters and critics who fear that his “outsider” stance could destabilize the political system.

According to a Time poll cited in the article, 28 % of respondents said they would consider voting for Sansei in a by‑election, while 42 % said they would not vote for the party. The remaining 30 % were undecided—a key demographic that could determine the party’s future.

The Road Ahead

The article concludes by noting that Sansei’s emergence is a reminder that even in nations with long-standing political orders, the electorate can still be reshaped by new ideas and new leaders. Sohei Kamiya’s message—“We will not rest until the people’s voices are heard”—is an echo of the very democratic ideals that have guided Japan since the post‑war constitution was enacted. Whether Sansei will survive as a fleeting protest movement or become a permanent fixture in Japan’s political landscape remains to be seen. For now, the country watches, a little nervously, as a quiet revolution begins to take shape.

The full article also provides links to additional resources, including Time’s earlier coverage of Japan’s aging crisis, an interview with Dr. Akiyama Shinji, and a feature on the country’s rising digital activism among youth.