Since taking office in October as the nation's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has captured public attention for her fashion, with many scrambling to copy her style. 

Her style-icon status has been boosted by her black bag, dubbed a “Sanae Bag," which is officially called the Grace Delight Tote. 

It is made by Hamano Inc., a 145-year old bagmaker based in Tokyo.

It is selling the best since its debut 30 years ago, according to the company.

Takaichi was carrying the bag as she walked into the Prime Minister's office on Oct. 21, and the scene immediately caused a sensation on social media.  

Hamano's spokesperson Takanori Kobayashi said his company is delighted to see Japan's first female prime minister carrying the bag.  

Within days, inquiries and orders for the bag have surged, and all eight colours have sold out. 

The bag, which is carefully made of high quality leather, cannot be mass-produced, and those who ordered it now have to wait until August, Kobayashi told The Associated Press.

"Before it went viral, the bag was popular among women in their 40s," he said. "Since it went viral on SNS (social media), we see an increase in the number of inquiries and purchases by women in their 20s and 30s."

Another popular item is a sparkly light-pink pen Takaichi uses to take notes; it's Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s Jetstream 4&1.

The pen, the "Sanae Takaichi model,” is often out of stock at stores and internet shopping sites.

Those who have found one often proudly post photos with a message: "Sana-Katsu.” 

While her dress sense has won admiration from those who say they are "Sana-katsu", or rooting for Sanae, it's not clear yet if her hardline conservative policies will win the same praise. 

Takaichi is looking to regain rightwing supporters after the Liberal Democratic Party’s big election losses under her center-moderate predecessor Shigeru Ishiba. 

The pledge by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to "work, work, work, work and work" for her country has been named the catchphrase of the year.

Repeating the word "work" in a low, determined voice left a strong impression at the time.

The ultraconservative Takaichi uttered the phase in early October when she was elected as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. 

She promised an all-out effort to rebuild her struggling party and regain public support, and urged party lawmakers to "work like a horse."

The attention Takaichi is receiving is usually reserved for pop stars, athletes and influencers in Japan who fans have access to only through television or the internet. 

Takaichi's fans show loyalty by buying the same bag and pen she uses, just as fans of star athletes like Shohei Ohtani buy replicas of his uniform to cheer on the Dodgers, experts say. 

Takaichi has won admiration as a new type of role model for women who have not usually rooted for prime ministers in the past, says Namiko Kubo-Kawai, a Nagoya Shukutoku University psychology professor.

In Japan, many female role models typically were supported for their femininity, but Takaichi is unique as a high-powered politician. 

Takaichi's short haircut and no-frills workwear also stand out from conventional female models. 

She may not inspire many feminists, however. 

Takaichi is a staunch conservative who champions Japan’s traditional gender and paternalistic values. 

She has supported keeping the succession of Japan’s monarchy open only to men. She also opposes changing a 19th-century law that would allow married couples the option of keeping separate surnames.

Sill, as the first female prime minister, "she fits perfectly as a stylish role model and has won admiration from many women who have been looking for one even though they probably have never thought of rooting for a prime minister," Kubo-Kawai said.