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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic view.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

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

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

However, she moderated some of her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for households investing in childcare.

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

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

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

The world's fourth largest economic power places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that position.

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

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

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

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

She was mentored of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her success because it furthers this notion that we must be obedient with the existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

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

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.