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4h ago

Takaichi’s Gen-Z Momentum Confronts Party Doubts Ahead of Feb. 8 Vote

Her personal appeal outpaces support for the LDP, leaving conversion to votes in doubt.

People watch as Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends an election campaign event for the February 8 snap election, in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, February 3, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi carries Japanese leather goods maker Hamano’s tote bag as she arrives at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
People react as Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), attends an election campaign event for the February 8 snap election, in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, February 3, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A worker of Japanese leather goods maker Hamano, manufactures Hamano leather bags at its factory in Miyota, Nagano Prefecture, Japan February 2, 2026. REUTERS/Joseph Campbell

Overview

  • Recent polls show youth backing at 70–80 percent overall and near 90 percent among those aged 18–29, compared with roughly 50 percent among seniors.
  • NHK recorded 77 percent approval among 18–39-year-olds after she took office, yet a Yomiuri poll found only 33 percent of 18–39 plan to vote for the LDP.
  • Analysts link the surge to savvy online outreach, with Senkyo.com showing YouTube interest in Takaichi far exceeding party content and skewing strongly positive.
  • Her non-hereditary, work-first image and relatable moments—from drumming with South Korea’s president to selfie diplomacy—have energized young fans and fueled a “Sana-katsu” craze.
  • Turnout remains a key variable, as a mid-winter election overlapping with exam season could curb youth voting despite rising engagement seen in 2025.