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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

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

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

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

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” 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 “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her leadership 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 consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the idea of a more traditional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not really challenging the grain. 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 make sure we're talking about her policies. We must be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

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

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, 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 priority list.