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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever woman prime minister is powerful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

However, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

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

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations 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 nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

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

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women view their prospects.

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

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“She's also not really going against the grain. She expresses the identical views 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 talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

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

She's the protégé of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.