Who Is Sohei Kamiya Known as the Donald Trump of Japan?

Sohei Kamiya has rapidly risen from obscurity to the forefront of Japanese politics, drawing comparisons to populist leaders like Donald Trump due to his nationalist rhetoric, populist appeal, and anti-establishment stance. In a political landscape long dominated by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Kamiya has carved out a distinctive niche with his party Sanseitō—meaning “Party of Sansei (Approval)”—which promotes a “Japanese First” agenda that resonates with a growing segment of dissatisfied voters.

Founded during the volatile times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the party gained traction with its conspiracy-driven narratives and criticism of globalism, immigration, and traditional elites. In the 2025 Upper House elections, Sanseitō shocked observers by leaping from just one seat in 2022 to 14–15 seats out of 248.

This surprising result has deeply shaken Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition, pushing Sohei Kamiya and his party from the fringes into the core of parliamentary influence. While many remain alarmed by Sanseitō’s far-right stances, their rise reveals a Japan in political flux—one where populist voices are gaining strength and disillusionment with mainstream parties is rapidly deepening.

The Making of Sohei Kamiya: From City Council to Populist Crusader

Sohei Kamiya was born on October 12, 1977, in Takahama, a coastal town in Japan’s Fukui Prefecture. Before stepping into national prominence, his career was defined by an eclectic mix of roles—supermarket manager, English teacher, and YouTube political commentator. His early foray into politics began with a seat on the Suita City Council in Osaka, where he aligned himself with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2012 to 2015.

However, disillusioned with the LDP’s policies and perhaps sensing the growing discontent among ordinary Japanese citizens, he left the party and became an independent. Kamiya holds a law degree, a background that gave him a foundational understanding of the legal and bureaucratic structures of Japan.

Yet, rather than take the conventional path through the party ranks or climb via public service, he veered into political activism during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis became a turning point. Through YouTube and other online platforms, Kamiya began disseminating controversial views—questioning vaccines, promoting conspiracies about global elites, and warning about foreign influence in Japanese society.

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His language was fiery, emotive, and often polarizing—yet it resonated with a segment of the public that felt ignored or betrayed by Tokyo’s political elites. In March 2020, Kamiya formally launched Sanseitō with a group of like-minded activists and political outsiders.

🇯🇵 Sanseito, un petit parti anti-immigration, a créé la surprise en remportant 14 sièges aux élections sénatoriales japonaises. Son leader, Sohei Kamiya, entend prendre le pouvoir dès les prochaines législatives.#japon #extremedroite #politique #Tokyo #immigration #tourisme pic.twitter.com/cFDIIVQYpr

— franceinfo (@franceinfo) July 24, 2025

While initially dismissed as a fringe movement, the party’s message found fertile ground during a time when fear, uncertainty, and distrust of institutions were at a high. By 2022, Sanseitō had secured a single seat in the House of Councillors, and Sohei Kamiya himself had entered the national stage through proportional representation. It was only the beginning of a political momentum that would peak dramatically in the 2025 elections.

Sanseitō’s Rise: Nationalism, Conspiracies, and ‘Japanese First’

Sanseitō’s political platform is built on three main pillars—nationalism, anti-globalism, and economic populism. Central to its message is the slogan “Japanese First,” a clarion call that echoes Trump’s “America First” and taps into concerns about immigration, cultural erosion, and foreign influence. The party advocates tighter immigration controls, argues that Japanese culture and traditions are under threat, and frames itself as the defender of Japan’s sovereignty against both foreign governments and international organizations.

One of Sanseitō’s more controversial stances is its rejection of what it calls the “silent invasion” of immigrants. Sohei Kamiya has repeatedly claimed that immigration is diluting Japanese identity and culture. His speeches frequently evoke a sense of urgency—that Japan is at a crossroads and must reclaim its national soul before it’s too late. This kind of rhetoric, while alarming to many, has drawn a devoted following, particularly among younger voters and those in rural or economically stagnant areas.

Beyond nationalism, the party also leans heavily on anti-elitist and conspiratorial themes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanseitō promoted skepticism about vaccines and claimed that a cabal of global elites was manipulating the Japanese government. The party has also been critical of the World Health Organization and multinational corporations, portraying them as tools of foreign domination. These views were amplified through social media, where Sanseitō created a robust digital presence—sharing slickly produced videos, memes, and livestreams that reached millions.

Economically, Kamiya and his party advocate for a unique blend of tax cuts, increased welfare spending, and support for traditional industries. Unlike many right-wing parties that favor austerity or business deregulation, Sanseitō tries to position itself as pro-worker and anti-corporation. It calls for more support for farmers, small business owners, and families struggling with Japan’s high cost of living and aging population.

A New Political Landscape: Populism Versus the Establishment

The results of the 2025 Upper House elections marked a political watershed. With Sanseitō securing 14–15 seats, the party not only tripled its previous vote share but also dealt a serious blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition. While Ishiba himself is known for a hawkish and reformist agenda, his inability to respond to economic stagnation, demographic decline, and public disillusionment opened the door for populist alternatives like Sanseitō.

Kamiya has made it clear that he has no intention of joining the ruling coalition or moderating his positions. Instead, he aims to build alliances with other fringe and outsider parties—many of which share a disdain for globalization, bureaucracy, and the status quo. This coalition-building strategy could make Sanseitō a kingmaker in tight legislative decisions, particularly if Ishiba’s majority continues to dwindle.

What makes Kamiya’s rise particularly significant is how it signals a broader transformation in Japanese politics. For decades, Japan’s political system has been relatively stable, with the LDP dominating national leadership and opposition parties struggling to gain traction. But the emergence of Sanseitō, fueled by anger, nationalism, and digital outreach, indicates that voters are no longer content with incremental change or technocratic solutions. Like Trump’s rise in the U.S., Kamiya’s ascent suggests that emotional appeal, cultural anxieties, and anti-elite messaging can override traditional political calculations.

Critics warn that Sanseitō’s rhetoric could deepen divisions in Japanese society and encourage xenophobia, conspiracy theories, and isolationism. But supporters argue that the party is giving voice to concerns that the mainstream has long ignored—about cultural preservation, economic justice, and national pride.

As Japan navigates its complex challenges—from a shrinking population and economic stagnation to increasing geopolitical tension in East Asia—Sohei Kamiya and Sanseitō are likely to remain influential, if polarizing, players. Whether they can convert their momentum into long-term political success remains to be seen. But for now, the “Trump of Japan” has firmly planted his flag in the nation’s political soil.