The Nation's First Woman Prime Minister: A Historic Event that Comes with Reservations

To numerous female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman prime minister 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.

However, although the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” 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 interpretation.”

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

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

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

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

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

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

However, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional role for women in the community and in the family.

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

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

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

Ideological Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

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 head of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

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

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

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of assuming office.

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