Japanese Prime Minister's Popularity Soars in Taiwan... Even Chocolates Released

Chocolates Once Not for Sale Now Available by Order
Featuring the Phrase "Work, Work, Work..."

In Taiwan, the soaring popularity of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continues, with even chocolates featuring her face now available.

Japanese media outlet Daily Shincho reported on January 9, "Prime Minister Takaichi has completely won over the hearts of the Taiwanese people with her 'contingency remarks on Taiwan,' which drew China's ire." The report continued, "Taiwanese media are covering Prime Minister Takaichi's every move, and the level of attention she receives is incomparable to that of previous prime ministers."

Previously, in November of last year, Prime Minister Takaichi made remarks in the National Diet suggesting possible intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency. Following these comments, a wave of support for Prime Minister Takaichi emerged in Taiwan. In November, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te posted a photo on social media eating sushi made with Japanese seafood. Taiwanese airline Tigerair launched a campaign saying, "(If Chinese tourists do not visit Japan) let more Taiwanese travel to Japan! Let's make sure there are no empty seats." In addition, several travel agencies rolled out Japan travel packages, and many Taiwanese people have been voluntarily traveling to Japan.

Chocolates featuring Prime Minister Takaichi's face have also been released.

Taiwanese food company I-Mei Foods produced and distributed commemorative "Taiwan-Japan Friendship Chocolates" featuring Prime Minister Takaichi's face to mark her inauguration. The chocolates were made in two versions: one with a congratulatory message printed for Prime Minister Takaichi, and another illustrated version featuring the phrase "I will work, work, work, work, and work," which became a buzzword in Japan following her remarks. Originally not for sale, "Takaichi Chocolates" gained fame through news and social media, and since early last month, I-Mei Foods has been accepting orders at its directly operated stores.

Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi's popularity in Japan is also soaring, with her approval rating reaching 75 percent, and her favorite items are selling out across the country.

Prime Minister's Favorite Items Sell Out in Japan

The most notable item is the black tote bag Prime Minister Takaichi carried when she first entered the official residence after her inauguration. This is the "Grace Delight Tote Bag," a high-end product from Hamano Leather Industry, a Japanese leather brand with a 145-year history, which has been sold for about 30 years and is handcrafted by artisans at a factory in Nagano Prefecture.

Despite its high price of 136,400 yen (about 1,295,000 won), orders for the bag surged immediately after Prime Minister Takaichi's inauguration, resulting in a complete sell-out. The company posted an apology on its website, stating, "Orders are already booked for nine months' worth of stock, and additional orders will be shipped from the end of August. We ask for your understanding."

The everyday ballpoint pen she held during her inauguration press conference has also drawn attention. The "Jetstream Multi-Function Pen 4&1" by Mitsubishi Pencil, which Prime Minister Takaichi was holding at the time, continues to receive inquiries even though it has been on the market for quite some time, according to the company.

Korean cosmetics have also benefited. After Prime Minister Takaichi stated at a press conference that she regularly uses Korean cosmetics, and following reports last October that President Lee Jaemyung gifted her cosmetics, the recognition of Korean brands has surged in Japan.

In a major local newspaper's December public opinion poll last month, the approval rating for the Takaichi Cabinet was recorded at 67 to 75 percent.