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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is powerful and influential.

It means 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, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement 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 stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and spoke of potential deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best 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 among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

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

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – 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 mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

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

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “the public are going to expect the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

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