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

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura 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 “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

Additionally, she is against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional position for women in the community and in the family.

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

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed 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 “stand out” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

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

Ideological Context and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

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

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

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