'Sana-mania' fuels Takaichi surge ahead of Japan election

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is expected to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a decisive victory in upcoming lower house elections, according to opinion polls, marking a sharp political turnaround for a party that lost its parliamentary majority just eight months ago amid a series of internal scandals.

Polls indicate the LDP and its coalition partner could secure more than 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house, enough to regain a two-thirds majority and strengthen the government's legislative position, says The Guardian.

Takaichi, who has been in office for four months, has quickly become a high-profile public figure. Her rise has been accompanied by a surge in popular interest often referred to as "Sana-mania," encompassing attention to her clothing, personal habits and social media activity. She has more than 2.6 million followers across platforms.

Supporters have described Takaichi as a "commoner prime minister," a label reflecting her modest background and her avoidance of the expensive, late-night dining that has long been associated with Japan's political elite. Her public image has been reinforced by her active use of social media and consumer choices that have drawn public attention, including a black leather handbag priced at around $900 that sold out after she was seen using it.

Takaichi is regarded as one of the LDP's most conservative figures. An admirer of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, she opposes proposals that would allow female members of the imperial family to ascend the throne and supports the requirement that married couples share a single surname.

On economic policy, Takaichi has pledged sweeping tax cuts, including a two-year suspension of the 8% consumption tax on food, as part of efforts to ease pressure on households. In foreign policy, she has met with international leaders including former US president Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, though her position on Taiwan has contributed to tensions with Beijing.

Despite the favorable polling, analysts say risks remain for the ruling coalition. Voters have expressed skepticism over whether proposed tax cuts will deliver tangible economic benefits, while turnout among younger voters has historically been low during winter elections, raising uncertainty about how much of Takaichi's popularity will translate into votes.

The election outcome is expected to determine whether Takaichi can consolidate her authority within the party and advance her policy agenda after a period of political instability for Japan's long-dominant ruling party.