For many young women in Japan, the sight of Sanae Takaichi becoming the nation’s first female leader is a powerful symbol. It signifies a shift in a society and political landscape long dominated by men. However, not everyone views this as a progressive leap for gender equality. Ayda Ogura, 21, voices a common sentiment, calling the outside world’s excitement about empowerment a “naive interpretation.” She points to Takaichi’s personal beliefs, which she argues “perpetuate the patriarchal system.”
Takaichi, a self-proclaimed admirer of Margaret Thatcher, has long aimed to be Japan’s “Iron Lady.” Like her idol, Takaichi is a staunch conservative. Analysts suggest her appointment is a strategic move by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to appeal to its right-leaning base. Her policy stances include opposition to same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples, impacting women who wish to keep their maiden names. She also opposes female succession to the imperial throne. While Takaichi has softened some of her rhetoric during her campaign, mentioning tax incentives for companies offering childcare, her historical alignment with traditional gender roles remains a point of concern for many.
Japan’s progress on gender equality has been slow. Despite a highly educated female workforce, societal expectations often push women into traditional roles. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 gender gap index ranked Japan 118th out of 148 countries, with a notable underrepresentation of women in politics. This is reflected in the low number of female lawmakers, standing at just 15.7%, the lowest among G7 nations. Even in reproductive health, Japan has only recently approved the over-the-counter sale of the morning-after pill, a step taken decades ago in many other countries.
Despite these challenges, some believe Takaichi’s ascent could still inspire future generations. Naomi Koshi, who became Japan’s youngest female mayor in 2012, stated that having a female prime minister carries “great significance.” Koshi suggests it could help “lower psychological barriers” for women, making leadership roles feel more attainable. However, Audrey Hill-Uekawa, 20, cautions against placing Takaichi on a pedestal, emphasizing that her 30-year political career has not fundamentally challenged the status quo. She argues that Takaichi often echoes the views of her male counterparts, and that her success should not be attributed solely to her gender. Hill-Uekawa stresses the importance of critically evaluating her policies rather than offering unconditional support.
Takaichi’s rise to power is a historic achievement, but the real challenge lies in her ability to address Japan’s economic issues and regain public trust, all while navigating complex international relations. Given her conservative stance on gender issues, significant progress on gender equality is unlikely to be a top priority on her agenda.