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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture 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 do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

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 gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

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

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

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

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

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

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 conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy 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 seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

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

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her champions 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 Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.