Japan's First Female PM Sanae Takaichi: Work Ethic, Fashion Icon Status, and Political Impact

Dec 04, 2025 10:19 am CST

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has captured national attention with her "work, work, work" mantra and unexpected fashion icon status. As Japan's first female prime minister, her black "Sanae Bag" and distinctive style have created a following among younger women, while her ultraconservative policies and intense work ethic generate both admiration and concern. This article explores the phenomenon behind Takaichi's rising popularity and what it reveals about changing perspectives on female leadership in Japanese society.