Japan's populist Sanseito party rejects accusations of links to Russia after a female candidate gave an interview to Russian media.

Sanseito, an anti-immigrant party in Japan, is enjoying a surge in the polls but has been embroiled in controversy after candidate Saya gave an interview to Russian state media. Party leader Sohei Kamiya has denied ties to Russia, China or the United States, saying the party maintains balanced diplomacy. Previous criticism of the party has focused on its stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Japan's deputy cabinet secretary-general warned of foreign interference in the election.