
From Our Own Correspondent Japan's 'Iron Lady' Takaichi wins landslide victory
Feb 16, 2026
Shaimaa Khalil, Tokyo correspondent covering Sanae Takaichi's landslide and youth fandom. Daniela Relph, reporter on Prince of Wales’s sensitive Saudi visit and diplomatic optics. Bel Trew, journalist on aid cuts disrupting HIV treatment in Uganda. John Kampfner, writer on a polarising WWII exhibition in Gdansk. Caroline Davies, correspondent celebrating Lahore’s revived Basant kite festival and safety rules.
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Youth Fandom Fueled Electoral Turnout
- Takaichi gained youth support through organized online fandom, choreographed clips and viral posts.
- That digital strategy amplified an image of energy and work ethic, winning otherwise disengaged young voters.
Policies, Not Symbolism, Will Be The Test
- Despite promises on spending and defense, voters still face stagnant wages and rising prices that will test her mandate.
- Khalil warns policy outcomes on pocketbooks matter more than symbolic fandom going forward.
A Diplomatic Visit Framed By Controversy
- Daniela Relph recounts Prince William's carefully choreographed visit to Saudi Arabia amid the Epstein fallout.
- He balanced diplomacy, gifts and public engagements while sensitive human-rights issues loomed in the background.


