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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever woman leader is powerful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional role for women in the community and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women 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 conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, females make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who became the country's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

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 office.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

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

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.