🔗 Share this article

To numerous female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is impactful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to observe how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘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 rather simplistic interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

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 more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of potential deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a conventional role for women in society and in the family.

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

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

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

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

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a female.

“We need to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

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

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

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

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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