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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and formative.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan 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 conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

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

However, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the notion of a conventional position for females in the community and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“She's also not really going against the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Associations

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 champions inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “the public are going to expect the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it could render our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

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

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.