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For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

This signifies 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, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of potential deductions for families spending on childcare.

But she has historically backed the notion of a conventional position for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

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

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

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

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

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