In her first news conference of 2026 at Ise Shrine, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, struck an optimistic tone for the Year of the Fire Horse, invoking its positive energy amid lingering 2025 challenges and global tensions.
Building on the anticipation surrounding the return of the Fire Horse—a zodiac year demographers have long awaited for its potential societal shifts—Takaichi shared her hopes during a New Year's visit to Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture.
"This year, the Year of the Fire Horse signifies that the positive energy carried over from the previous year will develop more distinctly and vigorously," she said.
Reflecting on 2025's successes, including economic highs like the Nikkei surpassing 50,000 and her historic rise to power, Takaichi acknowledged unresolved issues. Domestically, a controversial bill to reduce parliamentary seats remains contentious. Internationally, relations with China (strained over Taiwan comments), the U.S. (amid tariffs), and even Venezuela pose hurdles.
Her remarks symbolize a vibrant start to the Fire Horse era, though outcomes will hinge on policy progress in the Diet and beyond.