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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever woman prime minister is powerful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system 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 advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes 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 eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for households spending on childcare.

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

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion 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 emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

But 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 reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

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

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her policies. We must be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who 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 party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

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

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

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