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

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

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘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 rather simplistic view.”

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

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

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

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

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

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among 148 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled 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 females in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Leadership

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

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be capable of evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also evident by which individuals her champions inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, 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.

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

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

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “the public are going to expect the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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