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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural female leader is powerful and formative.

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

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

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

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for households spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years backed the notion of a more traditional position 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 Gender Gap in Perspective

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

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 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 quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception 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 Leadership

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

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

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

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

“She's also not really challenging the grain. She expresses the identical views 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.

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

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also evident by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from us as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.