Nipponica

In Oizumi, the Sanseito's proportional representation vote share was 15.6%, surpassing the national average of 12.6%. In the single-seat constituency, the Sanseito candidate topped the polls in the town, outnumbering the ruling Liberal Democratic Party candidate.

The rise of the Sanseito could alter Oizumi's image as a town successfully coexisting with foreigners.

The influx of foreigners in Oizumi began in 1990 when Japan's immigration law was revised, effectively permitting employment for foreign nationals of Japanese descent. Oizumi's small- and mid-size businesses, struggling with labor shortages, actively recruited them, leading to significant changes in the local community. Trouble associated with the growing foreign population was frequently covered by the media.

The mayor of Oizumi is speaking out on the benefits of its foreign community but there is still a growing number of people against them.