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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female leader is impactful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

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

Analysts note her leadership 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.

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for households investing in childcare.

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

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

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

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

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

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to get to that office.

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

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

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by who her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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 females to sort of relate to her success because it promotes this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are going to expect the identical from women as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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