The landslide victory of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party marks a pivotal moment for Japan amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific. With a two-thirds majority, questions arise about constitutional revision, fiscal policy, and Japan’s future regional role. This lecture examines the social foundations of Takaichi’s power, focusing on her strong support among younger voters. Drawing on an original survey conducted during the 2026 General Election, Professor Osaka explores how Takaichi strategically used social media to project both strength and kawaii appeal, illustrating the mediatized nature of contemporary political leadership.
Iwao Osaka is Professor of Political Science at Komazawa University, specialising in political communication and journalism. A former visiting professor at University College Dublin (2022–2023), his research examines how Japanese political actors engage voters and media in historical and comparative contexts. He is author and co-author of several major works, including Japanese Politics and the Media (2014) and Political Science (2022). A frequent media commentator, he has contributed widely to newspapers and television, moderated nearly 100 election debates, and serves as Vice-Director of the Komazawa University Institute for Journalism and Policy Studies.