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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female leader is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically supported the idea of a more traditional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

It's also evident by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for females in government, “people are going to expect the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.