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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

Sanae Takaichi took on Japan’s male-dominated politics and won – can she survive a second year in power?

Takaichi is applauded after being elected Japan's new prime minister in October 2025.
Takaichi is applauded after being elected Japan's new prime minister in October 2025. Photograph: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

Visitors squeeze into the kiosk near Japan’s national diet building to snap up souvenirs bearing the face of Sanae-chan, the affectionate nickname for the country’s leader: chocolate biscuits, dango sweets, stickers and document files proclaiming that “Japan is back”.

“The Takaichi range is incredibly popular,” says a member of staff.

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