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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

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

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

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential deductions for families investing in childcare.

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

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to increase the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

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

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation'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 females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember 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 men.”

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

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

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating 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 promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the trust of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.