Sohei Kamiya and the rise of Sanseitō: A controversial path in Japanese national politics
In short: Sohei Kamiya, a former teacher turned politician, founded the right-wing populist party Sanseitō in 2020. Since entering the House of Councillors in 2022, he has become a polarizing figure, known for his nationalist rhetoric, controversial views on historical events, and a political platform that challenges mainstream Japanese policy.
Born in 1977, Sohei Kamiya initially pursued a career in education before entering local politics in Suita City in 2007. His political trajectory shifted significantly with the founding of Sanseitō alongside figures like Manabu Matsuda. The party gained momentum by advocating for an 'anti-globalist' and 'Japanese first' agenda, eventually securing 14 seats in the 2025 House of Councillors election, which allowed it to participate in televised debates.
Kamiya’s career is marked by frequent controversy. He has faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories regarding COVID-19 vaccines and for making antisemitic remarks during the 2022 election cycle, which he later attempted to clarify. Furthermore, his assertions regarding the Battle of Okinawa—specifically his claim that local civilians were killed only by U.S. soldiers—sparked widespread outrage and formal protests from the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, as historians and local records contradict his narrative.
His policy platform is equally disruptive. Kamiya advocates for the repeal of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution to allow for full remilitarization, including the possession of nuclear weapons and the ability to conduct pre-emptive strikes. Domestically, he opposes gender equality and LGBT awareness initiatives, framing them as communist influences. He also proposes significant economic shifts, such as lowering the consumption tax and tightening monetary policy, while maintaining a firm stance on regional security, viewing China as a threat and Taiwan as a 'community of shared destiny'.
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