"What Is That Black Bag She's Carrying?" $1,300 Sold Out... Record-Breaking Popularity of Female Prime Minister Shakes Up Consumer Market

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

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has become an "ultra-powerful brand" in Japanese politics, is now making waves in the consumer market as well. Her popularity, boasting an approval rating of 75%, has sparked a "sold-out syndrome," creating a ripple effect throughout the Japanese economy.

On December 7, the Sankei Shimbun reported that Prime Minister Takaichi's immense popularity has translated into heightened interest in her favorite products, with items she uses during official engagements repeatedly selling out.

The most notable item is the black tote bag Prime Minister Takaichi carried when she first entered the official residence after taking office. This is the "Grace Delight Tote Bag," a luxury product crafted by artisans at the Nagano Prefecture factory of Hamano Leather Industry, a Japanese leather brand with a 145-year history that has been selling this model for about 30 years.

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 Prime Minister Takaichi took office, leading to it being completely sold out. The company posted an apology on its website, stating, "Orders are already booked up for nine months, so additional orders can only be shipped from the end of August next year. We ask for your understanding."

The everyday ballpoint pen she held during her inaugural press conference has also attracted attention. According to the company, Mitsubishi Pencil's "Jetstream Multifunction Pen 4&1," which Prime Minister Takaichi was holding at the time, continues to receive inquiries even though a significant amount of time has passed since its release.

The Korean cosmetics industry has also experienced an unexpected boost. After Prime Minister Takaichi revealed during a press conference that she "regularly uses Korean cosmetics," and following reports that President Lee Jaemyung presented her with cosmetics on October 30, the recognition of domestic brands has soared. The home shopping industry has responded immediately by increasing programming targeting consumers in their 40s and older.

Meanwhile, the approval rating for the Takaichi Cabinet continues to rise sharply even after two months in office. In a public opinion poll conducted by Nihon Keizai Shimbun and TV Tokyo from November 28 to 30, the Cabinet's approval rating reached 75%, up one percentage point from the previous month, maintaining its upward trajectory.