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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is powerful and formative.

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

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

“It was quite fascinating to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted 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 great opportunity for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think 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 always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned potential tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

Yet she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the family.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture 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 nations, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, women 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: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

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

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to get to that position.

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

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her success because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.