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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female prime minister is impactful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against women being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a conventional role for women in the community and in the home.

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

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

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

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how females view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in companies and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still persist.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

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

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

“We need to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Influences

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

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

She's the protégé of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.