Key Facts
• On October 21, Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s 104th Prime Minister, the first female PM.
• A survey by Studyplus Trend Research Institute gathered 8,806 responses from students.
• 93.5% of respondents expressed support for Takaichi, while 6.5% did not.
• 64.8% cited trustworthiness as the main reason for support.
• Key policy concerns: “International Relations & Security” (25.2%) and “Rising Prices” (22.9%).
• 39.0% of students were aware of “Sana-katsu,” with 47.8% learning about it via X (formerly Twitter).
• 24.3% reported increased political interest due to “Sana-katsu.”
• 43.3% felt social media encouraged critical thinking about politics, while 25.4% found it unreliable.
Summary
Sanae Takaichi’s appointment as Japan’s first female Prime Minister has garnered significant support among high school and college students, with 93.5% expressing approval. A survey by Studyplus Trend Research Institute revealed that trustworthiness and her role as a trailblazing female leader were key factors. Students prioritized “International Relations & Security” and “Rising Prices” as critical policy issues. Awareness of “Sana-katsu,” a social media-driven political movement, stood at 39.0%, with nearly a quarter of respondents reporting increased political interest. Social media’s role in shaping political discourse was seen as both a tool for critical thinking and a source of unreliable information.
