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A handbag carried by Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has gone viral online- sending demand for the $895 accessory soaring and thrusting a little-known local luxury brand into the global spotlight. Social media users quickly identified the prime minister’s sleek black handbag as the “Grace Delight Tote” made by Hamano Inc., a 145-year-old Japanese leather goods company based in Nagano. The family-run brand has a long-standing reputation for craftsmanship and its handbags have been favoured for decades by Japan’s imperial family. According to Hamano’s website, the tote- made entirely of soft leather and weighing just 700 grams (1.5 pounds)- was designed to “balance elegance with practicality.” Priced at $895, it’s now become one of Japan’s most sought-after fashion items, with Hamano confirming that it has received “an overwhelming number of orders” since photos of Sanae Takaichi with the bag began circulating online. Shipments have been delayed until April next year, the company said, apologising for slow responses to customer inquiries due to the sudden surge in attention. Sanae Takaichi, 64, is known for her composed, structured style and admiration for former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who was rarely seen without her signature Launer handbag. But unlike many politicians who rely on established European luxury houses, Sanae Takaichi’s choice of a homegrown Japanese brand resonated deeply with the public. “By prominently wearing Japanese designer clothes and carrying a bag made in Japan, she’s making a statement of patriotism and support for Japanese industry,” said Kaori Nakano, a luxury and culture specialist at Aoyama Gakuin University. Hamano’s sudden global recognition echoes similar moments in politics when fashion choices drive sales. In 2020, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked demand for the New York-based brand Telfar after being seen with its signature tote bag.
