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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female leader is powerful and influential.

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

But while the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman 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 view.”

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

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

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

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. In detail, women constitute about less than 16% 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 revealed 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.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

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

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

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

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

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as hosting 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 a top priority on her priority list.