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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever female prime minister is impactful and influential.

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

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

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan 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 very naive view.”

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance 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 “Iron Lady” of her nation.

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from keeping their birth surnames.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a conventional position for females in society and in the home.

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

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

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 conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% 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 announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how females view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in companies and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

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

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

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 discussing her agenda. We need to be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Political 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 evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish 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 influential right-wing factions.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

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

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from us as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.