By Sanxuan

Takahashi Sanae has made another vow.

Previously, she had pledged to resign if she lost the election, and during today's party leader debate, Takahashi reiterated this stance, stating that if the ruling coalition does not secure a majority of seats, she will immediately step down.

She is very good at capturing the right angle

Observant netizens may have noticed that Takahashi's statement this time is more resolute. Last time, she only said she would take responsibility but didn't mention immediate resignation, which was clearly aimed at showing determination and reinforcing her image of being decisive and efficient.

On the same day, Takahashi's stepson Yamamoto Kenya announced he would withdraw from the race. He had originally planned to participate in the House of Representatives election, but due to his special relationship with the Prime Minister himself, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership believed it might harm the party's campaign. Under their persuasion, he decided to withdraw.

To pave the way for his stepmother's re-election, Yamamoto is really considerate. However, to be honest, if he had actually run, he would inevitably have taken advantage of Takahashi's popularity, so it's hard to say who is sacrificing for whom.

Nevertheless, this could not save Takahashi's declining momentum. In fact, shortly after she announced the early general election, the cabinet's approval rating plummeted. Although it still maintains a relatively high level of 57%, it has dropped by 10% compared to the previous survey.

Looks like she's not happy

When asked about the reason, most respondents did not support or were confused about Takahashi's decision, with only 27% supporting the dissolution of the Diet.

Japanese people believe that Takahashi's move was purely for her own power, completely disregarding domestic livelihoods. A selfish prime minister like this does not deserve the affection of the people. Let's just say this backlash came too quickly.

Not only the public, but many members of parliament are also likely to be dissatisfied with Takahashi. The current term of the House of Representatives members was supposed to end in two years, but now they have to vote again, which is not only laborious but also faces the risk of losing their seats. Moreover, the previous term wasn't even completed, as the former Prime Minister Ishibashi dissolved the parliament early, leading to a major defeat for the LDP.

In short, Takahashi sacrificed the interests of the people and her fellow legislators to consolidate the foundation of the ruling coalition. She is simply trying to take advantage of the timing, before her new term, the new member红利 period hasn't ended yet, and the negative impact caused by China's countermeasures hasn't fully manifested, to win the House of Representatives before the situation becomes irreversible.

Takahashi Sanae is reaping what she sowed

But so far, she is already too late. The impact on Japanese tourism is obvious, and the retail industry is also starting to cool down.

Recent data shows that sales at Japanese department stores declined by 1.5% in 2025, marking the first negative growth in five years. Especially for department stores targeting Chinese tourists, the decline is more pronounced, with some stores even experiencing a drop of 40%.

Tourism and service industries such as department stores are interdependent. If tourism suffers, other related industries will inevitably be affected. Chinese tourists are among the highest spending groups visiting Japan. By alienating this major customer base, Takahashi has left store owners worried about how to get through the year.

This week, the Foreign Ministry issued another warning, reminding Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan during the Spring Festival unless absolutely necessary, citing earthquakes as one factor, and also considering the current security environment in Japan is not friendly to Chinese citizens.

The giant pandas in Japan will return on the 27th

The news has further worsened an already weak tourism sector. It is unknown whether relevant industry workers will take their frustrations out on the LDP by voting with their feet.

Considering that Takahashi has not shown any signs of repentance, China may continue to introduce countermeasures before the Japanese general election. Currently, protests against Takahashi's erroneous statements have already begun in major Japanese cities, and the storm is expected to intensify further. Takahashi, prepare yourself.



Original: toutiao.com/article/7599605161308209705/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.