Key facts
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval rating is around 50%.
- Japan's trade deficit was 536.5 billion yen ($3.4 billion) in September.
- A China-linked AI agent was identified behind cyberattacks on Japanese firms.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi marked her first year in office on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, facing significant challenges including parliamentary deliberations, diplomatic tensions with China, and economic pressures. Her approval rating, while around 50%, has seen a decline. The anniversary comes after a landslide election victory but is shadowed by the fallout from a scandal involving a minister, potentially impacting public trust. Takaichi has maintained a direct diplomatic style, particularly in relations with the US, and has utilized social media to connect with younger voters. However, she faces domestic headwinds related to economic pressures and proposed consumption tax cuts. Recent reports indicate a China-linked AI agent, Artex, was used in cyberattacks targeting approximately 80 Japanese firms, following a spate of data leaks. Separately, Japan's Foreign Minister urged Russia to release a detained Japanese journalist, citing a lack of consular access.