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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is powerful and influential.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – saying she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive performance 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 expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to get to that position.

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

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

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

Ideological Context and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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