Populist Sanseitō Party Gains as LDP Falters Under Ishiba

The crisis gripping the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, culminating in Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation, has not occurred in a vacuum. It has coincided with—and likely fueled—a rise in support for populist parties like Sanseitō, which are capitalizing on public discontent.
As the LDP has been consumed by internal battles, financial scandals, and electoral defeats, it has appeared increasingly out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. Issues like the cost of living and unease over migration have been fertile ground for populist messaging.
Sanseitō and other fringe parties have tapped into this frustration, offering simple answers and an anti-establishment stance that resonates with voters who feel ignored by the mainstream. The LDP’s weakness under Ishiba has only made these alternatives more appealing.
Ishiba’s successor will face a dual challenge: not only must they fix the LDP’s internal problems, but they must also find a compelling way to counter the growing populist tide. Failure to do so could see the LDP’s traditional voter base continue to erode.