Overview
- A private committee honored Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s October pledge as the nation’s catchphrase of the year this week.
- Takaichi clarified that she does not encourage overwork and framed the phrase as a statement of commitment.
- Her public image has fueled a consumer rush, with Hamano’s Grace Delight Tote selling out in all eight colors and new orders facing waits until August.
- Fans copying her style have also driven shortages of a pink Mitsubishi Jetstream 4&1 pen associated with her.
- Japan’s first female leader, an outspoken conservative, is pressing to rebuild the LDP after recent losses and supports male-only imperial succession and keeping shared married surnames.