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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural woman leader is impactful and influential.

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

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

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’.

“I think that's a very naive view.”

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

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

Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has historically backed the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

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

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

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

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her over three decades to get to that office.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored 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 leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

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

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.