🔗 Share this article

For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is impactful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

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

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

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

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

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

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

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 over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her over three decades to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

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

She's the protégé of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed 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.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.