This 35-Year-Old Just Became Japan’s Youngest Governor & The Internet’s Latest Crush

Does Japan have some of the best-looking politicians in the world or what?

First, it was Japanese pop star Nana Matsuura who announced her bid for a seat in the House of Representatives. Now, another Japanese politician is making waves for his good looks. 

Enter independent candidate Takato Ishida, 35, who made headlines after winning the Fukui gubernatorial election on January 25. 

Not only is Takato now the youngest sitting governor in the country, he has quite a face card too.

His victory was especially striking given that he narrowly defeated establishment-backed rivals in their 60s in one of Japan’s most conservative prefectures.

Takato joined Japan’s Foreign Ministry in 2015, later serving as deputy consul at the Japanese Consulate-General in Melbourne. He resigned from the ministry in December 2025 to run for office.

He holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Communication (Kansai Gaidai University) and International Studies (Pacific University) and also earned a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service in 2018.

Takato has two younger siblings, and his father was a surgeon who practised in London. There is no word if Takato is dating or married to anyone.

Netizens were naturally floored by his good looks, many commenting openly about having a crush on him.

“How can he not be taken?” asked one, while another complained, “Why do none of my politicians look like that?”

Despite the online lovefest, Takato’s political opponents accused voters of populism and racism, arguing that his popularity was driven more by his wholesome image than policy.

Well, that's politics for you. 

Takato also sparked controversy during his campaign after describing Japan as “ethnically homogeneous” in a social media video.

Following his win, Takato clarified that his remarks were meant to express opposition to “disorderly immigration”, and not to deny the existence of indigenous groups such as the Ainu.

Supporters, however, see him as a symbol of generational change and a reflection of voter frustration with political elites.

Photos: Ishida.takato/IG