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

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people outside Japan have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

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

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension 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 long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

She's also opposed to 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 tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned potential tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional role for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive record on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

However 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 office.

“She's also not truly challenging the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Associations

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

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

She's the protégé of the late former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

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