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For many young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional role for females in society and in the home.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% 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 type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the grain. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

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

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

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

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