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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled 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 champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow 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 royal household.

However, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

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

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% 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 revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated 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's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to sort of identify with her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are going to expect the same from us as too”.

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

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

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