NARA ¨C Motoko Shimada fondly recalls when a classmate at her public school in the city of Nara, Sanae Takaichi, showed early signs of the leadership that would set her on course to become the country¡¯s first female prime minister.
It was just before an important high school entrance exam, and Shimada had forgotten her lunch, intensifying already jangling nerves.
¡°Let¡¯s share mine,¡± a young Takaichi gestured. Another classmate, overhearing the offer, also came forward. ¡°Thanks to that, I passed the high school entrance exam. I¡¯m truly grateful,¡± recalled Shimada.
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