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

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how people outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the more conservative base 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 permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

But she has historically supported the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive record on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

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

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Leadership

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi 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 city leader in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context 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.

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for females in government, “people are going to expect the same from us as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

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