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

For many female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old 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 gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic view.”

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

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

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

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she moderated certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years 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 aligned with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the 2025 gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter 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 became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She's saying 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 woman.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

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

It's also evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

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

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.