The Nation's First Female Leader: A Historic Event that Comes with Caveats

For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever female leader is powerful and influential.

It means a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view 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 inaugural woman 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 view.”

Conversely, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning 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 allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of potential deductions for households investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional role for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Context

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

Based on the 2025 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators 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 sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

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

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her over three decades to reach that office.

“She's also not truly challenging the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

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

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

Political Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is evident by who her champions within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

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

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

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.