Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Drives Surge in Demand for Her Bag and Pen
TOKYO – Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, is sparking a unique phenomenon: a wave of consumer interest not in her policies, but in her personal style. sence being photographed carrying a simple leather bag and using a specific pen on October 21, both items have experienced a surge in popularity and, in some cases, sold out wholly.
The bag, manufactured by Hamano Inc., a Tokyo-based bagmaker with a 145-year history, retails for 136,400 yen ($875) and is designed to hold A4-sized papers. According to Hamano spokesperson Takanori Kobayashi, it’s the best-selling item in 30 years. All eight colors are currently backordered, with new orders expected to ship as late as August due to the bag’s handcrafted nature and limited production capacity.
Equally popular is the Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s Jetstream 4&1 pen in a sparkly light-pink color,dubbed the “Sanae Takaichi model” by fans. The pen is frequently out of stock both in stores and online, with purchasers frequently enough sharing photos online with the hashtag “Matching Sanae.”
Experts note the phenomenon mirrors the way fans support pop stars and athletes, purchasing replicas of their clothing or uniforms. “The attention Takaichi is receiving is usually reserved for pop stars, athletes and influencers,” the article states.
Psychology professor Namiko Kubo-Kawai of Nagoya Shukutoku University suggests Takaichi represents a new kind of role model for women in Japan. “In Japan, many female role models typically were supported for their femininity, but Takaichi is unique as a high-powered politician,” Kubo-Kawai said. ”She may not inspire many feminists, though. Takaichi is a staunch conservative who champions Japan’s traditional gender and paternalistic values.” Despite her conservative stance on issues like male-only imperial succession and separate surnames for married couples, Kubo-Kawai believes Takaichi “fits perfectly as a stylish role model” for women seeking depiction.
