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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female leader is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

But while the optics speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality 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 patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the idea 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 nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views 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.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

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

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – 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 backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “people are going to expect the same from women as too”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

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