One of the earliest and most frequently cited controversies involves the 1994 publication Hitler’s Election Strategy, written by LDP official Yoshio Ogai. The book drew heavy criticism at the time for its approving treatment of Adolf Hitler’s political tactics, relying heavily on Mein Kampf as a source. Human-rights groups condemned the work, and it was eventually withdrawn from sale.
Takaichi’s connection lies in the book’s preface she authored. In it, she reflected on her own experiences as a political candidate and invoked what she described as the “willpower” necessary to persevere—a theme critics say uncomfortably echoes the book’s overall tone.