TOKYO
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s public persona is as distinctive as her politics. She is a heavy metal fan, a motorcycle enthusiast, and famously declared that her formula for leadership is to “work, work, work, work, work.”
This charismatic combination of toughness and playfulness has made her exceptionally popular in Japan—a rare feat for a recent leader from the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Breaking the mold of the country’s often-elderly male leadership, Takaichi has cultivated a strong connection with younger voters. They affectionately call her “Sana,” follow her fashion and favorite stationery, and even share her taste for steamed pork buns.
Now, this personal appeal is translating into political momentum. Polls show the LDP, despite its own deep-rooted problems, is poised to make significant gains in Sunday’s election for the lower house of Parliament, largely on the strength of Takaichi’s popularity.
A decisive victory would allow Takaichi to consolidate power and steer Japan further down the hawkish, deeply conservative path set by her mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
By James Kisoo
