Outside a train station near Tokyo, hundreds of people cheer as Sohei Kamiya, head of the surging nationalist party Sanseito, criticizes Japan’s rapidly growing foreign population.

As opponents, separated by uniformed police and bodyguards, accuse him of racism, Kamiya shouts back, saying he is only talking common sense.

Sanseito, while still a minor party, made big gains in July’s parliamentary election, and Kamiya’s “Japanese First” platform of anti-globalism, anti-immigration and anti-liberalism is gaining broader traction ahead of a ruling party vote Saturday that will choose the likely next prime minister.

      • motogo@feddit.dk
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        16 hours ago

        As a Dane living in Sweden for a handful of years I see that actual racism in DK is not that pronounced, but rather there’s a wide-spread attention to people moving to DK who may not contribute to society, and that’s because the Danish financial models are somewhat fragile. Free healthcare and not just free education but that you actually get paid while studying to make room to focus does leave DK somewhat vulnerable to exploitation. This sometimes shows as scepticism, but that’s not racism.

        In Sweden however racism is a much bigger problem. Unlike Danes, Swedes always almost say what they mean but leave out the punchline. Never mistake ppl leaving out the racist opinions and comments from the fact that a relative large group of Swedes are really racist. I see my non-swedish friends become unwanted assimilated time and time again. Swedes go home, close the door thoroughly, turn down the light and then they racist out, oh boy! Swedish politicians occasionally talk about how to do more to integrate people but there’s little to no actions put forward. Looking back at Denmark you’ll see many creative initiatives to ensure integration and a clear expectation: If you need help you’ll get help. Whether it’s healthcare or education or other sorts of help. And in return you need to contribute as much as you can in solidarity with society. Danes don’t mind paying 43% in income tax because they see and use what it gives in return.

        Back to your comment. Can you share examples of Denmark being “super racist”?