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

<p>The straight-talking PM’s ability to manage Trump and stand up to China have endeared her to the public, but she may need friends closer to home to survive</p><p>Visitors squeeze into the kiosk near <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/japan">Japan</a>’s national diet building to snap up souvenirs bearing the face of Sanae-chan, the affectionate nickname for the country’s leader: chocolate biscuits, <em><a href="https://www.nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/cs00003/">dango</a></em> sweets, stickers and document files proclaiming that “Japan is back”.</p><p>“The Takaichi range is incredibly popular,” says a member of staff.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/21/sanae-takaichi-took-on-japans-male-dominated-politics-and-won-can-she-survive-a-second-year-in-power">Continue reading...</a>