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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female prime minister is impactful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

People are saying, ‘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’.

“I think that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

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

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in childcare.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional role for women in society and in the family.

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

The Country's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Context and Influences

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in government, “the public are going to expect the identical from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.