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For many female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female prime minister 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.

But while the optics suggest a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

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

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

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

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

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

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

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional position for women in the community and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of 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.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

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

“She's also not really going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

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

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be a top priority on her agenda.