Japanese politics is often characterized by its politeness and understatement. But a shift feels palpable this time, largely due to the country’s current prime minister, Sanae Takaichi – a drum-playing, motorcycle-riding leader who has raised the stakes for Japan and the wider region.
Just hours before polls opened in a snap election she called, hundreds gathered in a small park in central Tokyo to see Takaichi. Despite the cold and the difficulty of seeing her through the crowd, there was a sense of witnessing a significant moment. “I was just passing,” one woman told a reporter, “but I couldn’t not stop to see her!”
Takaichi’s popularity marks a departure from recent Japanese prime ministers. A former heavy metal drummer, she is known for her energetic stage presence, even drumming with visiting dignitaries like South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Nara on . She has also gained a following among younger voters who affectionately call her “Sana” and closely follow her fashion and lifestyle choices.
Polls suggest her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is poised for significant gains in Sunday’s election, largely due to her appeal. This would allow her to pursue a more hawkish, conservative agenda, aligning with the legacy of her mentor, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She was first elected as prime minister in October 2025.
Born in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, Takaichi was raised by conservative parents who instilled in her prewar moral values. Her mother was a police officer and her father worked in manufacturing.
Takaichi’s rise to power comes at a critical juncture for Japan, which faces security challenges from China and North Korea. She has advocated for strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and bolstering its alliance with the United States, while also expressing concerns about the reliability of U.S. Commitment to the region. She recently enjoyed a positive relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, meeting with him shortly after taking office in October.
The snap election was called on , as Takaichi seeks a direct public mandate for her policies. Her conservative views, however, are not without controversy. She opposes same-sex marriage and supports traditional gender roles, and has expressed a desire to restore what she sees as traditional Japanese values.
In her hometown of Nara, support for Takaichi is strong. A team of supporters has been campaigning on her behalf, driving around the city in a converted “battle bus” and encouraging residents to vote for her. “She’s like a friendly neighbour or sister,” one local resident said.
A key aspect of Takaichi’s platform is her firm stance on China. In November, she stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would be an “existential threat” to Japan, suggesting a potential military intervention. This statement drew strong condemnation from Beijing, leading to economic sanctions and restrictions on Japanese access to rare metals. The relationship between the two countries is currently at its lowest point in over a decade.
While some Japanese citizens support Takaichi’s tough stance on China, others are concerned about the potential economic consequences. “Seeing China imposing economic sanctions, it proves how thoughtless her remarks were,” one voter at a rally commented. “It’s definitely more dangerous.”
Takaichi’s supporters believe she is simply taking necessary steps to protect Japan’s interests. Her approach reflects a growing sense of urgency in Japan, as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and seeks to assert its role on the world stage. The outcome of Sunday’s election will be a crucial test of her leadership and a defining moment for Japan’s future.
