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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is powerful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

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

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

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

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative 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 laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

She's also against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her campaign – saying she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for families spending on child-rearing.

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

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

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

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not really going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background 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 evident by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

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

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.