Sanae Takaichi: Japan's First Female Prime Minister and the Challenges Ahead

Wed Oct 22 2025 13:08:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan's first female leader, but some are questioning her commitment to gender equality amidst conservative policies.

Sanae Takaichi's rise to become Japan's first female prime minister is seen as historic, especially for young girls in a male-dominated society. However, her conservative stance raises concerns among women regarding her advocacy for gender equality. Critics argue that her policies do not challenge the patriarchal status quo, questioning whether her leadership will truly benefit women's rights in Japan.

For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm of power as the country's first ever female leader is powerful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

But while the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was quite interesting to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the news, Ayda Ogura, 21, says.

Everyone's like, 'wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan'.

I think that's a very naive interpretation. Instead, Ms Ogura points to her 'political beliefs and what she stands for', adding: She perpetuates the patriarchal system.

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, 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 staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to appeal to the conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names. She's also against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she has softened some of her messaging during her campaign - speaking of possible tax incentives for companies providing childcare facilities.

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world yet they struggle with societal expectations of traditional roles. According to the 2025 gender gap index, Japan ranks 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in politics notably low.

Although Ms Takaichi's rise is a significant moment, many remain skeptical that it will lead to real advances for women's rights and opportunities in the country. Making history, however, comes with the challenge of addressing pressing economic issues and the demands of a disillusioned electorate, as equality concerns seem unlikely to be prioritized on her agenda.