🔗 Share this article

For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

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

It was rather interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, preventing 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 supports giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for families investing in childcare.

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

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females 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 female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

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

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

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

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to sort of relate to her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the identical from us as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

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