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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

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

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

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

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

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, blocking many women from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in childcare.

Yet she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the family.

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the best 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.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

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

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

It's also evident by who her champions inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.