Now, the ultraconservative Takaichi, 64, who took office in October after being elected leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, is betting big on a high-stakes snap election, fueled by the power of her personality and some unlikely help from young voters consumed by “Sanamania.”
Polls are predicting a landslide in the rare midwinter election on Sunday, which would give Takaichi direct public backing as she seeks to increase Japan’s defense capabilities and boost its influence on the world stage.