Taro Yamamoto, the influential leader of the anti-establishment Reiwa Shinsengumi party, addressed journalists during a significant press conference in Tokyo on October 27, 2024, shortly after the polling concluded for a highly contested general election. (Kyodo)
In a striking turn of events, small opposition parties, often perceived as champions of populist and radical policies, made notable gains in the recent general election held on Sunday. This surge in their fortunes coincided with a damaging slush fund scandal that significantly undermined the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) popularity among the electorate.
Analysts have drawn parallels between these electoral developments in Japan and trends observed in various European nations, where both far-right and far-left political movements are gaining ground. Such shifts in the political landscape are largely fueled by widespread discontent with traditional political establishments, which many voters accuse of prioritizing the interests of elites and affluent individuals over those of ordinary citizens.
The Reiwa Shinsengumi party, known for its bold pledge to eliminate Japan’s consumption tax in a bid to attract voter support, has more than doubled its representation in the House of Representatives. This increase is significant, rising from a mere three seats prior to the election.
Meanwhile, the newly established Conservative Party of Japan, founded in 2023, celebrated a milestone victory by securing its first seat in the influential lower house. Heading the party is the prominent novelist Naoki Hyakuta, who advocates for more stringent immigration controls and refugee acceptance policies, arguing that such measures are essential for protecting the interests of the Japanese populace.
Following the ruling LDP’s disappointing performance in the election, Taro Yamamoto emphasized the importance of public accountability, stating, “I wanted the public to deliver a verdict on the politics that have caused Japan’s decline over the past 30 years.”
Yamamoto, who rose to prominence as a former television personality, expressed his concerns to reporters in the aftermath of the election results. He warned, “A further economic slump lies ahead. The nation is filled with people who are in a predicament.”
In a jubilant celebration captured in Nagoya’s Higashi Ward on October 27, 2024, buckets of cold water were splashed over Takashi Kawamura as he was confirmed to have secured a seat in the House of Representatives election. (Mainichi/Kazuki Yamazaki)
Naoki Hyakuta expressed his enthusiasm about the electoral triumph of former Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, who ran as a candidate supported by the Conservative Party of Japan. Hyakuta conveyed his aspirations for the party, stating, “Our goal is to become a national party.”
It’s important to note that in Japan, a political group is required to have a minimum of five lawmakers or achieve at least 2 percent of the nationwide votes during the most recent national election to maintain its status as a viable political entity.
