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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman leader is impactful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘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’.

“I think that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

Additionally, she is opposed to women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for households spending on child-rearing.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a more traditional role for women in the community and in the home.

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

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

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

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

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

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

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

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