Japanese Far-Right Party Sees Electoral Surge

Sanseito, a previously minor opposition party in Japan, has seen a significant surge in popularity, securing 14 seats in the recent election compared to its previous single seat. The party, founded in 2020, initially gained traction through YouTube videos promoting COVID-19 vaccine conspiracy theories and anti-mask rhetoric. Its platform has since evolved to a nationalist "Japanese First" agenda, expressing concerns about immigration and overtourism, a sentiment that appears to resonate with a portion of the electorate. This rise coincides with the ruling government's own efforts to address similar issues, raising questions about a potential broader shift to the right in Japanese politics.