Japan's First Female PM Sparks Shopping Frenzy with $895 Local Luxury Handbag

The leather handbag carried by Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has become an internet sensation, bringing unexpected fame to a 145-year-old Japanese leather goods manufacturer.

Social media users quickly identified Takaichi's frequent accessory as the "Grace Delight Tote" from Hamano Inc., a traditional leather goods company whose craftsmanship has long been appreciated by Japan's imperial family members.

The $895 handbag has generated extraordinary interest online, resulting in a surge of orders for the Nagano-based manufacturer. Despite its all-leather construction, the bag weighs a mere 700 grams and combines "elegance with practicality" according to the company's website.

Hamano is currently experiencing "an overwhelming number of orders" after images of the Prime Minister with her tote circulated across social media and news outlets both domestically and internationally. The company has apologized for delayed responses to inquiries and announced that shipments are now backlogged until late April.

Takaichi joins other female politicians whose fashion choices have boosted sales for lesser-known brands. While many women in politics typically opt for established luxury labels, occasional unconventional selections—such as US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showcasing her Telfar tote in 2020—can significantly impact smaller manufacturers.

The 64-year-old Prime Minister is known to admire former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was similarly recognized for her structured handbags from British brand Launer. Takaichi's personal interests diverge elsewhere, however, as she has expressed enthusiasm for heavy metal music, automobiles, and motorcycles.

Though polls indicate Takaichi is especially popular among younger generations, it remains unclear which demographic is primarily adopting her accessory choices.

According to Kaori Nakano, a luxury and culture specialist and visiting professor at Tokyo's Aoyama Gakuin University, the Hamano tote appeals to a broad spectrum of professional women seeking a practical bag that accommodates laptops and daily essentials without drawing excessive attention.

"It's a solid, dependable choice for women in managerial positions," Nakano explained. "It's relatively affordable compared to overseas brands of similar quality."

Beyond her choice of handbag, Takaichi regularly wears clothing designed by Japanese fashion designer Jun Ashida, Nakano noted.

"By prominently wearing Japanese designer clothes and carrying a bag made in Japan, she's making a statement of her patriotism and support for Japanese industry," Nakano added. "It's already working."