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For many young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural woman leader is impactful and influential.

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

But while the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to increase the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks 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 smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her over three decades to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the late former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.