Key Facts
• During the election, the hashtag ‘Do not vote for discrimination’ trended on SNS.
• Sanseitō supporters expressed concerns about foreigners and public safety.
• Sanseitō claimed ‘foreigners’ major crimes are increasing,’ which was fact-checked as false.
• Other false claims included ‘foreigners dominate welfare benefits’ and ‘nuclear armament is cheapest.’
• Sanseitō excluded a Kanagawa Shimbun reporter from a press conference, citing ‘potential disruption.’
• Kanagawa Shimbun has actively reported on hate speech and fact-checked Sanseitō’s statements.
• Sanseitō filed a complaint with BPO against TBS’s ‘Hōdō Tokushū’ for alleged bias.
• BPO stated in 2016 that fact-checking political claims is a core media responsibility.
• Sanseitō leader Kamitani referred to a staff member as ‘a low-level employee’ in a public statement.
• Kamitani faced past allegations of workplace harassment linked to a former secretary’s suicide.
Summary
The Sanseitō Party has faced scrutiny for spreading false claims during the election, including allegations about foreigners and public safety. Fact-checking by media outlets, such as Tokyo Shimbun, revealed inaccuracies in their statements. The party also excluded a Kanagawa Shimbun reporter from a press conference, citing concerns about disruption, which drew criticism. Additionally, Sanseitō filed a complaint with BPO against TBS’s ‘Hōdō Tokushū,’ accusing it of biased reporting. However, BPO reaffirmed that fact-checking political claims aligns with media responsibilities. Sanseitō leader Kamitani’s public remarks and past allegations of workplace harassment have further fueled controversy. The party’s actions highlight the growing tension between political rhetoric and media accountability.
