Japan’s Takaichi is winning fans not with politics but with her style and ‘work, work, work’ mantra

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s quote “work, work, work, work and work” for his country has been chosen as the slogan of the year.

extremely conservative Takaichi mentioned this stage in October When he was elected chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Many were initially supportive of his enthusiasm as well as concerned about his work ethic.

Takaichi, who received his award from a special committee this week, said he only wanted to emphasize his excitement and that his comments were somehow misinterpreted.

“I have no intention of encouraging others to work overtime or recommending long working hours as a virtue,” Takaichi said. “I hope there is no misunderstanding.”

Since then He starts working at the end of October Takaichi, the country’s first female prime minister, also attracted public attention with her fashion, with women striving to copy her style.

But while his clothing style has won the admiration of young women who call themselves “Sana-katsu” or support Sanae, it’s unclear whether his staunchly conservative policies will win the same praise.

Takaichi is seeking to regain right-wing supporters after major election losses under the LDP’s moderate predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba.

In his speech to party members on October 4, he promised an all-out effort to rebuild the struggling party and regain public support and called on MPs to “work like horses”. Then he added: “I’m going to give up on the idea of ​​’work-life balance’; I’m going to work, work, work, work and work.”

Repeating the word “work” in a low and determined voice made a strong impression at the time.

Hard work followed by a jacuzzi

Takaichi’s apparent long working hours and lack of sleep worry MPs. He held a meeting with his aides at 3 a.m. before the first day of parliament on November 7, but has not started this early since.

“I’m sleeping for about two hours now, four hours at most,” Takaichi, who also takes care of her husband after he had a stroke, told lawmakers at a budget committee meeting last month. “It’s probably bad for my skin.”

He says he likes to soak in the jacuzzi to relax in the morning and at night. “This is my happy time,” he said.

Her style icon status was further cemented by her black bag, officially called the Grace Delight Tote and dubbed the “Sanae Bag.” Hamano Inc., a 145-year-old bag manufacturer based in Tokyo. Made by.

Priced at 136,400 yen ($875), the simple leather case is large enough to fit A4-size papers. According to the company, it’s its best sales since its debut 30 years ago.

Takaichi was carrying the bag as he entered the prime minister’s office on October 21, and the scene became an instant sensation on social media.

Hamano spokesman Takanori Kobayashi said his company was happy to see Japan’s first female prime minister carrying the bag.

Within days, requests and orders for the bag increased and all eight colors were sold out. Kobayashi said that the bag, which is carefully produced from high-quality leather, cannot be mass-produced and those who order must wait until August.

Another popular item is the bright light pink pen that Takaichi uses to take notes; this is Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s Jetstream 4&1.

The “Sanae Takaichi model” pen is often out of stock in stores and online shopping sites. Those who find one often proudly post photos with the message: “Matches Sanae.”

Style icon but no feminist

The attention Takaichi receives is usually directed at pop stars, athletes and influencers in Japan, whom fans can only reach through television or the internet.

Just as fans of star athletes like Shohei Ohtani buy replicas of his uniform to cheer on the Dodgers, fans of the prime minister show their loyalty by purchasing the bag and pen he uses, experts say.

Namiko Kubo-Kawai, a psychology professor at Nagoya Shukutoku University, says Takaichi has won admiration as a new role model for women who have not supported prime ministers in the past.

In Japan, many female role models were often promoted for their femininity, but Takaichi is unique as a strong politician. Short haircuts and simple business clothes also stand out from traditional women’s models.

But it may not inspire many feminists. Takaichi is a staunch conservative A defender of Japan’s traditional gender and paternalistic values. He supported keeping the succession of Japan’s monarchy exclusively male. He also opposes changing a 19th-century law that allows married couples to use separate surnames.

As the first female prime minister, Sill “fits perfectly as a stylish role model and has probably won the admiration of many women who are looking for a prime minister, even if they have never considered supporting one,” Kubo-Kawai said. “Female role models are becoming increasingly diverse.”

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AP video reporter Mayuko Ono contributed to this report.