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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman leader is powerful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have responded 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 significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional position for females in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women 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 female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

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

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.