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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female leader is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

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

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically supported the idea of a more traditional role for females in society and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe 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 global organization, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive 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 mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that office.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

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

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is challenging for females to somewhat relate to her success because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for females in government, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

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

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.