A $1,300 Tote Bag Carried on Inauguration Day Sells Out with Nine Months of Backorders
Surging Interest in Press Conference Pen and Korean Cosmetics
Record-High 75% Approval Rating: Political Popularity Spills Over into Consumer Trends
Sanae Takaichi, who has become an “ultra-powerful brand” in Japanese politics, is now shaking up the consumer market as well. Her soaring popularity, with an approval rating of 75%, has sparked a “sold-out syndrome” that is even impacting the Japanese economy.
On December 7, the Sankei Shimbun reported that Prime Minister Takaichi’s immense popularity has led to heightened interest in her favorite items, with products she uses during official engagements selling out one after another.
The most notable item is the black tote bag Prime Minister Takaichi carried when she first entered the Prime Minister’s Official Residence after taking office. This is the “Grace Delight Tote Bag” from Hamano Leather Industry, a Japanese leather brand with a 145-year history, which has been selling this high-end product for about 30 years. It is handcrafted by artisans at the company’s factory in Nagano Prefecture.
Sanae Takaichi, the Prime Minister of Japan, is entering the Prime Minister's Official Residence carrying a black dot bag. Screenshot from the official website of the Prime Minister's Office of Japan.
Despite its high price of 136,400 yen (approximately 1,295,000 won), orders for the bag surged immediately after Takaichi took office, resulting in a complete sellout. The company posted an apology on its website, stating, “Orders are already booked up for nine months, so additional orders will only be shipped from the end of August next year. We ask for your understanding.”
The everyday ballpoint pen she carried at her inaugural press conference has also become a subject of interest. The “Jetstream 4&1 Multi-function Pen” by Mitsubishi Pencil, which Takaichi was seen holding at the time, continues to receive inquiries, according to the company, even though it has been on the market for quite some time.
The Korean cosmetics industry has also benefited unexpectedly. After Prime Minister Takaichi revealed at a press conference that she regularly uses Korean cosmetics, and following reports that President Lee Jaemyung gifted her cosmetics on October 30, the recognition of domestic brands has soared. Home shopping channels have responded immediately by increasing programming aimed at consumers in their 40s and older.
Meanwhile, the approval rating of the Takaichi Cabinet continues to rise sharply, even two months after her inauguration. In a public opinion poll conducted by Nikkei and TV Tokyo from November 28 to 30, the Cabinet’s approval rating reached 75%, up 1 percentage point from the previous month, maintaining its upward trajectory.
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