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

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

Similar to 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 lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

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

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure 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 available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved 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 alter how women perceive their opportunities.

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

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

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

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

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