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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

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

“It was quite fascinating to see how people outside Japan 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 gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic view.”

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

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

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers 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 type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how women perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful 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 city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We need to be able to evaluate 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 defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is evident by who her champions within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from us as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of taking power.

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