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

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

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 birth surnames.

She's also against 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 financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified 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 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th 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 struggled to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable 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 challenging the grain. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We need to be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have were.

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

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the conservative wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

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

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.