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

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

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

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

Instead, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she moderated some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families spending on childcare.

But she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the home.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“She's also not really going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to 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.

It's also evident by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the conservative wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

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

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.