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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

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

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a conventional position for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country'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 struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. In detail, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power 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 wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Context and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender 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 former hawkish 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 head of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's backing 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 existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.