Core Viewpoint - The recent increase in seats for the far-right party in Japan's House of Councillors election has raised concerns about the potential rightward shift in Japanese politics and its implications for social cohesion and foreign relations [1][5]. Election Results - In the July 20 election, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito suffered significant losses, losing their majority [2]. - The far-right party, established in 2020, increased its seats from 1 to 15, surpassing the threshold needed to independently propose non-budget-related legislation [2]. - The party's rise is characterized by its "Japan First" slogan, opposition to globalization, and strong nationalist rhetoric, positioning it as an extreme right-wing entity [2]. Voter Sentiment and Economic Context - Discontent among voters, particularly among conservative supporters of the LDP, has been linked to economic challenges, including rising food prices and dissatisfaction with the government's response [3]. - The party's proposals to enhance food self-sufficiency and reduce taxes resonate with voters facing economic pressures [3]. - The stark contrast between the economic struggles of Japanese citizens and the spending power of foreign tourists has fueled resentment, contributing to the party's appeal [3]. Information Dissemination and Social Media Influence - The shift in information consumption from traditional media to social media has allowed the far-right party to amplify negative sentiments and attract disillusioned voters [4]. - The party's strategy mirrors that of far-right movements in Europe, leveraging social media to exploit public dissatisfaction with traditional parties [4]. Political Implications and Future Outlook - The rise of the far-right party may signal a shift in Japan's political landscape, with potential implications for social dynamics and policy direction [5]. - The party's influence has already prompted the ruling LDP to address foreigner-related policies more directly, indicating its growing impact on political discourse [6]. - Analysts warn that if the far-right continues to gain traction, it could lead to a more aggressive foreign policy stance and strained relations with neighboring countries [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Germany has officially classified the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as an "extreme right organization," indicating significant concerns about its activities against the democratic order of Germany [1][2]. Group 1: Official Classification and Evidence - The AfD has been under surveillance since 2021 and was previously labeled as an "extreme right suspect." The recent classification is based on over 1,000 pages of detailed reports that document the party's activities and statements, suggesting a systematic deviation from legitimate political conduct [2][3]. - The evidence cited includes violations of human dignity, undermining the rule of law, and challenging democratic principles [2]. Group 2: Legal and Political Implications - The classification allows intelligence agencies to employ broader surveillance methods against the AfD, including human intelligence, financial investigations, and communication monitoring [3]. - There is ongoing public debate regarding whether this classification will lead to a formal ban on the AfD, although initiating such a process requires a complex legal procedure involving the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or federal government [4][5].