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For many young girls 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 patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people outside Japan have reacted to the news,” 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 rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted 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 attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

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

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for households investing in childcare.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

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

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to get to that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact 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 everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

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

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

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

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from us as too”.

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

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

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