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For many female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman prime minister is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

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

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

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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 staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated 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, preventing many females from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her campaign – saying she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

But she has historically supported the idea of a more traditional role for women in the community and in the home.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

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

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the late former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to sort of identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “the public are going to expect the same from us as too”.

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

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

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