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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever woman prime minister is powerful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

She's also opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

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

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, females make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

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

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how females perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful 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 most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

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

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

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

It's also evident by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.