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For many young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female leader is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

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

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

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their birth surnames.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for families investing in childcare.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional position for women in the community and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that office.

“She's also not really challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

It's also evident by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election 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.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to 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 concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within days of assuming office.

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