To numerous 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.
This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.
However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.
“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.
People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.
In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”
Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”
A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.
Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.
Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters 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, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.
She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.
However, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for families investing in childcare.
But she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the family.
Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive record on equality concerns.
Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective
Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.
Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.
Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.
The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. In detail, women constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.
Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.
Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership
Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their prospects.
“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of 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 – informed local media.
She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.
But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.
“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”
Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a woman.
“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her policies. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”
Political Background and Influences
It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a defender of the male-dominated system.
Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have were.
She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.
His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.
“I believe that it is challenging for women to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.
The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.
“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our role harder.”
Upcoming Challenges and Expectations
Making history, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of taking power.
One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.
