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S$1,157 bag carried by Japan's new PM Sanae Takaichi selling like hotcakes, made by Japanese leather goods maker
Her "support local" fashion statement has been lauded by the Japanese.
October 29, 2025, 04:14 PM
The bag used by Japan’s first female prime minister Sanae Takaichi is selling fast due to overwhelming demand from Japan and abroad.
Orders have been delayed as a result.
Made by Japanese manufacturer
Made by Hamano Inc, a 145-year-old Japanese leather goods maker, demand has soared through the roof for the “Grace Delight Tote”, ever since the bag was featured and identified.
The bag costs ¥136,000 (S$1,157) and weighs only 700g, despite being made entirely of leather.
Products by the Japanese leather goods maker, based in Nagano in central Japan, have been favoured by members of Japan’s imperial family, Bloomberg reported.
Overwhelming demand
The Hamano Inc website said it is receiving “an overwhelming number of orders” after pictures of the prime minister with the bag were featured on social media and news in Japan and overseas.
The company apologised for a delay in responding to inquiries.
Shipments have been pushed back to end-April 2026.
The bag was touted as a "balance" of "elegance with practicality".
Fashion icon?
Polls show the 64-year-old leader is particularly popular with the younger generation in Japan.
Takaichi has spoken of her love for heavy metal music, cars and motorbikes.
She is also frequently seen wearing clothing designed by Japanese designer Jun Ashida.
Many online have praised her fashion choices as a way to display her patriotism.
Her fashion choices are seen as "making a statement of her patriotism and support for Japanese industry", said Kaori Nakano, a luxury and culture specialist and a visiting professor at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo.
Top photos via Japan Daily & Hamano Inc
