The Nation's First Female Prime Minister: A Historic Event with Reservations

To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman leader is impactful and formative.

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

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

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

People are saying, ‘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 rather simplistic interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional role for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Leadership

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

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the patriarchy.

Additionally, it is evident by who her champions inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.