International News: Japanese politician Sohei Kamiya is gaining global attention and is now being compared to US President Donald Trump. After Trump’s unexpected presidential victory in 2015, several other world leaders earned the title of “Trump of their country,” including Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte. Now, Sohei Kamiya’s name joins this list, especially after his Sanseto Party shocked many by winning 14 seats in Japan’s Upper House.
From Supermarket Manager to Political Leader
Sohei Kamiya's career didn’t start in politics. He once worked as a supermarket manager and also taught English. He initially joined his father’s business, but after it went bankrupt, Kamiya had to find new opportunities. He later went abroad to study in Canada, and upon returning to Japan, he joined the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
However, his time in the LDP was short-lived. Kamiya accused the party of corruption and claimed it was more focused on making money than serving the public. Frustrated, he quit and decided to create his own path in politics.
Founding of Sanseto Party
In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamiya founded his own political party called Sanseto. The party began as a small movement but gradually gained traction, especially among Japan’s youth. Kamiya also serves as a reservist in the Japanese military, adding a patriotic angle to his image.
Sanseto has stood out for its strong anti-globalization stance, populist messaging, and criticism of elites, immigrants, and rising taxes—similar to the rhetoric used by Donald Trump in the United States.
Populist Speeches and Nationalist Appeals
Kamiya is known for his fiery speeches that focus on protecting Japan’s national identity. At a recent rally in Kagoshima, he said that multinational corporations are influencing Japan’s policies for their own benefit under the name of globalization. He warned that if Japan doesn't resist this foreign pressure, it risks becoming a "colony."
He also emphasizes Japan-first policies and often says that Japan should be a country that serves the interests of Japanese citizens above all else. His speeches echo Trump’s bold, anti-establishment style, which has resonated with a large number of voters, particularly the younger generation.
Rising Popularity Among Youth
During the COVID-19 crisis, Kamiya and his party took a firm stand against vaccines and criticized the so-called “global elite.” His message struck a chord with many frustrated and disillusioned citizens. Sanseto’s YouTube channel now has over 360,000 subscribers and relies heavily on donations from small contributors.
Though Kamiya did not personally run in this year’s election, he was deeply involved in campaigning. His party fielded nearly 70 candidates nationwide and ended up finishing third in the overall results—a remarkable performance for a relatively new party.
