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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 influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

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

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

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

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics 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 globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“She's also not really challenging the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

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

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

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

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the same from women as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be a top priority on her agenda.