10 Controversial Sanseito Proposals That Are Stirring Outrage Across Japan
Sanseito’s nationalist, “Japanese First” agenda has gone from fringe to formidable. In Japan’s July 2025 upper house election, the party surged from a single seat to 14–15 seats—becoming the fourth‑largest opposition force and contributing to the ruling coalition losing its majority. The party’s unexpected electoral gains underscore growing public frustration over economic stagnation, immigration pressures, and dissatisfaction with mainstream politics.
1. Loyalty Checks For Foreigners
Sanseito has proposed mandatory “loyalty checks” for long-term foreign residents to assess their allegiance to Japan. The policy lacks clarity on how loyalty would be measured, raising serious concerns about discrimination and profiling. Critics warn this would lead to unfair targeting and surveillance of foreigners legally residing in Japan.
2. Suspension Of Social Services For Foreign Residents
One of the party’s most extreme ideas is cutting off access to public services—such as healthcare, education, and welfare—for foreign residents. Sanseito argues these resources should be exclusive to Japanese citizens. Human rights groups have condemned the idea as xenophobic and in violation of international norms.
3. Strict Hiring Limits For Foreign Workers
Sanseito advocates restricting foreign employment in the public sector, judiciary, and civil service. The party believes only Japanese nationals should hold positions tied to national security and cultural integrity. This proposal could drastically reduce career opportunities for foreigners, even those who have lived in Japan for decades.
4. Banning Or Restricting Foreign Land Ownership
Fearing “strategic risk” and cultural erosion, Sanseito calls for bans or heavy regulations on foreign land ownership—especially near military or sensitive sites. While national security is cited, critics see this as another layer of exclusionary policy rooted in fear and nationalism. It also sends a negative signal to foreign investors and residents alike.
5. Political Disenfranchisement Of Naturalized Citizens
The party has proposed stripping political rights from first-generation naturalized citizens and extending those restrictions to their descendants for up to three generations. This would prevent them from voting or running for office, even if they were born and raised in Japan. Such measures challenge democratic principles and raise constitutional questions.
6. Repeal Of LGBT Understanding Promotion Act
Sanseito has pushed for the repeal of Japan’s modest LGBT Understanding Promotion Act. They argue it promotes values that conflict with “traditional Japanese family structures.” The party also opposes same-sex marriage and gender equality policies, prompting backlash from human rights advocates.
7. Revival Of The Concubine System
In a bizarre and highly controversial statement, party leader Sohei Kamiya suggested reinstating a concubine system to ensure a larger pool of heirs for Japan’s imperial family. The proposal was later removed from official platforms after public outcry, but it remains a symbol of Sanseito’s extreme and regressive ideology. Critics say it reflects a deep disconnect with modern values.
8. Drafting A New Constitution That Removes Basic Rights
Sanseito’s proposed constitution eliminates key civil liberties including freedom of speech, religion, and equality under the law. The draft draws inspiration from imperial-era documents like the Meiji Rescript on Education, which emphasized loyalty to the emperor over individual rights. Scholars have warned this could move Japan toward authoritarianism.
9. Tighter Naturalization And Residency Rules
The party supports making Japanese citizenship harder to obtain by requiring N1-level Japanese language proficiency, deep cultural assimilation, and harsh penalties for those who fail to meet standards. These changes would disproportionately affect foreigners who contribute to society but lack elite language fluency. Critics call it a veiled method to discourage immigration altogether.
10. Anti-Vaccine And COVID-19 Conspiracy Rhetoric
Sanseito leaders have made unfounded claims about COVID-19 vaccines, including calling them “murder weapons” and tools of global control. These conspiracy theories have circulated in speeches and party materials, undermining public trust in healthcare. The spread of such misinformation has alarmed experts amid ongoing public health challenges.
Sanseito’s proposals reveal a deeply nationalist, inward-facing vision for Japan, one that many believe threatens inclusivity, human rights, and the country’s international image. While the party’s legislative power remains limited, the growing attention around its policies shows a concerning shift in public sentiment. As Japan faces economic, demographic, and cultural pressures, the real test will be how far these radical ideas are allowed to influence mainstream politics.