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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female leader is powerful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

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

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive view.”

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

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

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

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

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost 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 national parliament. In detail, women constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

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

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent 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 wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She expresses the identical views 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 ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

It's also evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group'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 women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying 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 us to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.