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

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

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

“It was quite interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

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 firm conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional position for women in society and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world 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 global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how women perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi 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 “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

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

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

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

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

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

“They will demand us to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.