Key Facts
• July 20, 2025: Upper House election date; Sanseitō gains significant support.
• July 5-6, 2025: Poll shows Sanseitō at 8.1%, surpassing Democratic Party for the People (6.8%) and Constitutional Democratic Party (6.6%).
• Sanseitō’s slogan, “Japan First,” inspired by Trump’s “America First,” resonates with voters.
• Party leader Sohei Kamiya emphasizes preserving Japanese culture amid population decline.
• Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s approval rating drops 7 points to 25.4%; disapproval rises to 62.6%.
• Veteran Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members criticize leadership for neglecting Sanseitō as a competitor.
• LDP fears a repeat of vote-splitting seen between the Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi in 2024.
Summary
The upcoming July 20, 2025, Upper House election has seen a surge in support for Sanseitō, a conservative party advocating a “Japan First” policy. Recent polls place Sanseitō at 8.1%, overtaking key opposition parties and challenging the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Sanseitō’s leader, Sohei Kamiya, highlights the importance of preserving Japanese traditions amidst demographic challenges. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces declining approval ratings, with LDP veterans criticizing the party’s failure to address Sanseitō’s rise. This development mirrors past vote-splitting incidents, raising concerns about the LDP’s electoral strategy.
