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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the family.

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 Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how females perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

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

Ideological Context and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

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

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this notion that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are going to expect the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.