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

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

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

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces 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 staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

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

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. In detail, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion 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 “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Leadership

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be capable of evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her success because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

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

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be a top priority on her agenda.