A different kind of prime minister sparks hope among Japan's youth

Japan election

Takaichi's appeal has drawn young Japanese to politics, but will they go out to vote?

20260202 Sanachan

A supporter holds a sign reading “Go Sana-chan!” at a street rally for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Fukuoka, Japan on Jan. 30. © Kyodo

YURIKA YONEDA

February 4, 2026 11:39 JST

TOKYO -- On a winter's morning in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics district, a 19-year-old first-time voter stood in a crowd waiting for a speaker. Mei was not there for an idol or influencer, but for Japan's prime minister.

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