Photo/Illutration Sohei Kamiya, leader of the Sanseito party, speaks at a rally in Sendai on Oct. 19. (Ryo Oyama)

Sohei Kamiya, leader of the far-right Sanseito party, has voiced strong concerns over the growing trend of national university graduates seeking employment with foreign companies.

Speaking at a street rally in Sendai on Oct. 19, the head of the rising party argued that this trend could harm Japan’s economy and questioned the appropriateness of using public funds to support such outcomes.

“The harder these students work, the more foreign companies benefit, and the more Japanese citizens’ incomes decline,” Kamiya said. 

Kamiya’s argument appeared to focus not on talented young adults leaving Japan to work abroad, but on those joining foreign-owned companies operating within the country.

He challenged the rationale for investing taxpayer money into national universities if graduates ultimately pursue careers with non-Japanese corporations.

While acknowledging that Japan’s Constitution guarantees freedom of occupational choice, Kamiya emphasized that public policy should prioritize strengthening national interests.

“Freedom does exist,” he said, “but what is the purpose of public policy? Isn’t politics meant to improve citizens’ lives and enhance national power?”

Kamiya then argued that political leaders should design a system that offers choices within that framework. 

The party has continued to lean into its nationalist and anti-globalist stance since making significant gains in the July Upper House election.

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