It appears that an anti-immigration backlash has reached Japan. A rising right-wing party, Sanseito, just grabbed 14 seats in the Upper House elections, pushing a “Japanese First” agenda.

Led by Sohei Kamiya, a former supermarket manager, the party gained ground during COVID by spreading anti-vaccine conspiracies and railing against foreign residents and overtourism. Now they want stricter immigration controls, fewer benefits for foreigners, and tougher naturalization laws.

While much of their rhetoric echoes Trump-style populism, Japan’s labor shortages and low birth rate are part of the deeper issue. Think Japan’s move is too harsh or a logical step for national stability?