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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female leader is powerful and influential.

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

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to increase the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

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

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of assuming office.

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