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

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

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

It was rather interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded 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’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for households spending on childcare.

But she has historically backed the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the family.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

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

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of criticise 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 male-dominated system.

It's also evident by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as too”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

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