The Power of Blue: Decoding PM Takaichi's Wardrobe

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Since taking office on October 21, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has enjoyed strong approval ratings. Attention has also turned to her wardrobe, with past outfits and comments from those around her offering clues to her style preferences, including her fondness for blue.

Takaichi often gravitates toward calm, understated colors like blue and navy, one close aide said. "We suggested she try brighter colors, but she keeps choosing similar shades," the aide noted. "Like her policies, she seems to have her own firm preferences." Her preferred brand is Jun Ashida.

Ahead of the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race in October, advisers urged her to consider an "image makeover," and she even consulted a fashion planner. Afterward, however, she reportedly said, "They suggested dozens of outfits, but not a single one felt right."

First Election Win in Red

There was a time when her style looked very different. When Takaichi won her first Lower House seat in 1993, she celebrated with supporters in a bright red suit. At the time, she often chose vivid colors like pink and yellow. Those close to her recall, "When she found something she liked, she would order several similar pieces from mail-order catalogs."

On November 21, while traveling to the G20 summit in South Africa, she wrote on X, "Maybe I should invest in clothes that give me the upper hand in diplomatic negotiations, even if it means splurging a little."

*July 1993 — Sanae Takaichi in Nara City after winning her first Lower House seat as an independent in the Nara constituency.*

Royal Blue

Recently, including during the LDP leadership race, the Prime Minister has tended to favor royal-blue suits. She also wore blue, her lucky color, on voting days in previous leadership contests.

Her signature royal blue jacket calls to mind Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister also known as the "Iron Lady," whom Takaichi admires. Fashion historian Kaori Nakano says, "Blue symbolizes intelligence and composure. She may be deliberately invoking Thatcher."

Sanae Takaichi delivers a greeting at the Liberal Democratic Party's joint parliamentary meeting following the leadership election, on the afternoon of October 4 at the party headquarters in Nagatacho, Tokyo.

Blue is also a traditional color in Japan. "Like Samurai Blue, the color of Japan's national soccer team, it represents a challenger's spirit. She blends strength with tradition in a way that suits Japan's first female prime minister," Nakano says.

One-Piece Dresses

Image consultant Keiko Kido describes Takaichi's style as "extremely neat, with a strong sense of cleanliness," a look that helps convey competence and trustworthiness. She also notes Takaichi's frequent pairing of jackets with one-piece dresses.

According to Kido, one-piece dresses add formality and convey authority. Many of Takaichi's jackets are cut straight rather than cinched at the waist. "That extra room lets her shake hands or wave without needing to readjust her outfit afterward, which leaves a polished impression," Kido explains, emphasizing the practical advantages.

White for Meeting Trump

During President Donald Trump's visit to Japan in October, Takaichi appeared at the state guesthouse in Moto-Akasaka wearing a light gray dress paired with a glossy white jacket. Kido praised the choice: "Coordinating light, similar tones creates a gentle impression. It was the best option for a calm, friendly meeting."

*US President Donald Trump receives a guard of honor as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi looks on. October 28, Akasaka Palace, Tokyo. (Pool photo)*

Later, during her visit to the United States Navy base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, she chose a dark navy pantsuit and low-heeled short boots. "Given the setting, high heels would have been inappropriate. She clearly understands the environment and her role, which helps her choose the right outfit," Kido says.

Appearance and Dignity

Still, at a time when rising prices are a major social concern, fashion can be delicate territory for politicians. During an Upper House budget committee session in November, Takaichi responded to opposition questions about economic revitalization by saying she was "pulling out clothes from 15 years ago."

Election adviser Koichi Nozawa commented, "She may have been trying to show that she understands the everyday lives of ordinary people, but as the nation's representative, where a certain dignity in appearance is expected, it was not the best message to send."

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun

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