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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is powerful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

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

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne 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 staff and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in childcare.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the home.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the best educated and most skilled 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 global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, females make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed 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.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how females view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that position.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to sort of identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are going to expect the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

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