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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever female prime minister is powerful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the appearances suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

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

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

Instead, 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 long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

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

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economic power places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to make sure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

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

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

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

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