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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever female prime minister is powerful and influential.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to see how people outside Japan have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a more traditional role for females in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the expectations of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

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

Differing Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change 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 became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told 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 “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

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

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We need to be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to sort of relate to her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “people are likely to anticipate the same from us as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

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