Japan has made history with Sanae Takaichi becoming the country’s first female prime minister, marking a symbolic step in a nation long dominated by male leadership. However, while the milestone has been celebrated around the world, reactions at home are far more complex, especially among women who question how much real change her leadership will bring.
For many young girls in Japan, seeing a woman rise to the highest political office is powerful and inspiring. In a country that has consistently ranked low in global gender equality reports, Takaichi’s appointment is undeniably historic.
“It’s something people outside Japan see as a huge win for women,” said 21-year-old student Ayda Ogura. “But that’s a very naive interpretation. She stands for the same patriarchal system that’s kept women from progressing.”
A self-professed admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi has long been called Japan’s “Iron Lady.” Like Thatcher, she’s known for her strong conservative stance.
Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage, supports traditional family roles, and has resisted efforts to allow married couples to keep separate surnames, a major issue for many working women. She also stands against women joining the line of succession to Japan’s imperial family.
While she did propose tax incentives for companies offering childcare facilities and tax breaks for families, her broader political views align closely with the conservative establishment she now leads.
Japan continues to struggle when it comes to gender representation in politics and leadership. According to the 2025 Global Gender Gap Index, Japan ranks 118th out of 148 countries, and women hold just 15.7% of parliamentary seats, the lowest among G7 nations.
Women in Japan are among the best educated in the world, but traditional expectations still shape their roles in both family and work life. Only this week, Japan approved over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill — a move other countries made decades ago.
Some see Takaichi’s rise as progress, even if symbolic. Former mayor Naomi Koshi told Kyodo News that her appointment “lowers psychological barriers for women and girls,” making it feel more normal for women to take leadership roles.
However, many young women remain skeptical.
“She’s saying the same things as the men before her,” said 20-year-old Audrey Hill-Uekawa. “We shouldn’t praise her just because she’s a woman, we need to hold her policies to the same standard as everyone else.”
Minori Konishi, 21, echoed that sentiment: “It’s difficult to relate to her success because it reinforces the idea that we must comply with the status quo.”
Takaichi’s rise was made possible by powerful conservative allies, including the late Shinzo Abe and senior party leader Taro Aso, whose support helped unite the Liberal Democratic Party’s right-wing factions behind her.
Now, she faces major challenges, from tackling a sluggish economy and inflation to restoring public trust in government. With an early meeting expected with former U.S. President Donald Trump, her leadership will quickly be tested on the global stage.
While Sanae Takaichi’s appointment is a milestone in Japanese history, many say it’s too early to celebrate it as a victory for gender equality.
As Ayda Ogura puts it, “Yes, we have a woman prime minister. But if she upholds the same system that’s kept women quiet for decades, is it really progress?”
For now, Japan’s first female leader represents both a moment of pride and a reminder of how far the country still has to go in achieving true equality.
