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

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

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

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

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

She's also opposed to females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a conventional position for females in the community and in the home.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

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

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She's saying 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.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party 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 uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.