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

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

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

“It was quite fascinating to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive view.”

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

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

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for families spending on childcare.

Yet she has historically backed the idea of a conventional position for women in society and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men 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 Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

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

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed 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.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are going to expect the same from women as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.