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

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

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

“It was quite interesting to observe how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

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

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, preventing many women from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional position for women in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

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

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economic power places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that position.

“She's also not really challenging the grain. She's saying 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 female.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly 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 patriarchy.

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

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.