Photo/Illutration Sohei Kamiya, leader of Sanseito, on Sept. 8 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Opposition party Sanseito said Oct. 1 it will push for anti-espionage legislation and promote stricter policies on foreign nationals under its “Japanese First Project.”

The party, which made significant gains in the Upper House election in July, said it plans to establish project teams for each issue and draft bills that will be submitted to the extraordinary Diet session in autumn.

The Diet session will open after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election on Oct. 4. With the LDP-Komeito coalition lacking a majority in both Diet chambers, speculation is rife that the LDP will seek tie-ups with opposition parties to pass legislation.

Sanseito’s proposals announced on Oct. 1 are similar to those advocated by Sanae Takaichi, a former economic security minister who is running in the LDP race.

At a news conference, Sanseito Secretary-General Hiroshi Ando was asked about whether the party would work together with a possible Takaichi-led LDP.

“We will cooperate where we can, and where we can’t, we won’t,” Ando said.

Takaichi, who is strongly supported by conservative voters, was asked about a possible alliance with Sanseito or the Conservative Party of Japan during a YouTube program aired on Sept. 28.

She said, “It is the responsibility of the entire legislative body to cooperate on policies that we can work together on.”

Within the LDP, however, there are concerns about a partnership with Sanseito, which has been accused of promoting discrimination against foreigners.

“Joining forces with Sanseito means the LDP is abandoning its role as a national party that engages with broad public sentiment,” a senior member of the LDP said.

Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the Conservative Party of Japan, was also asked about Takaichi at a news conference on Sept. 30.

“Takaichi has a somewhat strict stance on China policy,” he said. “She is also positive about the anti-spy law.”

Asked about the five LDP presidential candidates, Hyakuta said, “Personally, Takaichi is the best option.”

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