Prime Minister Takaichi's personal popularity and appeal have been pivotal in the Liberal Democratic Party's significant victory in the recent Japanese House of Representatives election.
The recent overwhelming victory of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the House of Representatives election on the 8th has been largely attributed to Prime Minister Takaichi's personal popularity and the expectations surrounding her leadership. Since her rise to the premiership in October last year, multiple polls have shown Takaichi's cabinet approval ratings ranging between 60% to 70%, significantly exceeding the LDP's support, which hovered around 30%. During a final campaign rally held in Tokyo a day before the elections, over 10,000 supporters gathered, indicating a fan-like enthusiasm reminiscent of idol culture. A 30-second campaign video featuring Takaichi released on the LDP's official YouTube channel amassed over 100 million views in just nine days, highlighting her striking influence and the emergence of the term 'sanakatsu' to describe her followers similar to the idol fandom term 'oshikatsu'.
In addition to personal charm, Takaichi has emphasized a strong leadership image through conservative policies that promote a 'strong Japan', resonating particularly with the youth. Her slogan from the acceptance speech, "I will work, work, and work even more," has solidified her image as an energetic and persistent leader. Unlike many past prime ministers who hailed from influential political families, Takaichi, being Japan's first female prime minister from a humble background, stands out. Her engagements that include drum performances and effective use of social media have helped her gain popularity among politically indifferent younger generations, with approval ratings among those aged 18-29 nearing 90% according to Bloomberg Japan.
Takaichi's call for constitutional amendments, touching upon the conservative base's long-standing aspirations, has rekindled support from factions that had previously distanced themselves from the LDP. Her push for a constitutional revision, encapsulated in the rallying cry for change, has resonated deeply, showcasing her ability to navigate traditional political landscapes while capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary Japanese society. This combination of personal appeal and policy innovation sets a new bar for Japanese political discourse, moving away from the more traditional and often dull images associated with past leaderships, as noted by BBC's analysis.
