Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi celebrated her 65th birthday on March 7. Akio Yaita, a veteran Japanese media commentator and executive director of the Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank, said many supporters hope she can establish a stable governing framework that would allow Japan to move forward amid a period of profound global change.
Taiwan’s Liberty Times reported that Yaita shared the remarks in a March 6 post on Facebook through his page “Akio Yaita Club.” In the past, he wrote, many Japanese politicians treated the age of 65 as a moment to prepare for retirement—writing memoirs or occasionally appearing on television to comment on politics. In today’s political climate, however, the same age is often regarded as “the prime of life.”
Yaita said he asked a friend on March 6 to deliver two pots of Phalaenopsis orchids to Takaichi’s office. One was sent in the name of the Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank to thank her for visiting Taiwan last year at the organization’s invitation and for meeting with representatives from different sectors of Taiwanese society. The other was presented on behalf of the “Friends of Shinzo Abe Association in Taiwan” as a birthday greeting.
According to Yaita, Phalaenopsis orchids symbolize “happiness arriving on wings.” Beyond wishing Takaichi success in her work and smooth progress in government affairs, he said he hopes she will continue promoting closer ties between Taiwan and Japan and deepen cooperation between the two sides.
Yaita also noted that Takaichi was born on March 7, while her husband, former House of Representatives member Taku Yamamoto, was born on July 7. The license plate number on Takaichi’s car therefore reads “3777,” reflecting the couple’s birthdays and, in his words, carrying a touch of romance.
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Some Chinese internet influencers recently offered a different interpretation. They suggested the number refers to the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which began on July 7, 1937.
Yaita described the speculation as both puzzling and amusing.
“Sometimes you have to admire certain people’s imagination,” he said. “They can turn even a license plate number into a historical drama.”
Yaita also mentioned that people born on March 7 fall under the Pisces zodiac sign. Pisces individuals are often described as communicative, creative, and sensitive to the emotions of others—traits sometimes associated with professions such as counseling, medicine, art, or performance. Another interpretation suggests that those born under the sign tend to avoid direct confrontation and prefer harmony, stability, and comfortable surroundings.
Some of those descriptions appear to fit Takaichi to a degree, Yaita said. When responding to questions in parliament, she typically speaks clearly and maintains a calm tone. At the same time, he added, it would be inaccurate to say she avoids confrontation. On major issues such as diplomacy and national security, Takaichi often adopts a firm stance that gives the impression she will not back down.
Yaita concluded his message with birthday wishes.
“On this special day, I sincerely wish Prime Minister Takaichi a happy birthday,” he wrote. “May she enjoy good health and success in her work, and may Japan continue to prosper. I also hope that the friendship between Taiwan and Japan, like the Phalaenopsis orchid, will grow more beautiful and flourish ever higher.”
Earlier, Nikkei reported that the Chinese Communist Party had mobilized at least 4,000 accounts on the social media platform X to publish large numbers of posts aimed at smearing Takaichi’s image, drawing public attention.
Yaita said Taiwan and Japan face similar challenges and will need to strengthen cooperation in countering disinformation. Possible measures include deeper coordination in monitoring false information, intelligence sharing, and efforts to strengthen social resilience.
By Gao Yun
