The handbag she carries is sold out, her pink pen has gone viral, and even her favorite snacks are in hot demand. Japan’s 64-year-old leader, Sanae Takaichi, has sparked an unlikely youth-led craze that could propel her to a major election victory on Sunday.
What would a Takaichi win mean for China? Japan’s tough stance toward Beijing is not expected to change. Military spending is likely to remain high and could even rise. However, many experts say tensions are unlikely to escalate further.