Japan’s First Female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: A Historic Step with Deep Divides

Japan has made history by choosing Sanae Takaichi as its first female prime minister.
For many women in Japan, this is a powerful moment something they have never seen before.

It shows that a woman can lead in a country where politics and power have mostly been controlled by men. But some people say her leadership may not bring big changes for women’s rights.

“People think this will change everything for women,” says Ayda Ogura, a 21-year-old student. “But she supports the same old system that keeps men in power.”

Takaichi is known for her strong conservative views. She has often been compared to Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of the UK.
Her political party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), hopes she will attract more support from right-wing voters.

Takaichi has said no to same-sex marriage and no to a law that lets married couples use different last names. She also does not support women joining the royal family line of succession.

During her election campaign, she promised tax benefits for companies that build childcare centers and tax breaks for families who spend on childcare. But many say her main views about women are still traditional.

According to the World Economic Forum, Japan is ranked 118th out of 148 countries in gender equality.
Only 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan’s parliament are women the lowest among G7 countries.

Even women’s health rights are slow to change. This week, Japan finally approved the morning-after pill for sale without a doctor’s prescription something already available in over 90 countries.

Still, some believe Takaichi’s win could inspire young girls.
Naomi Koshi, Japan’s youngest female mayor, says:

“Her success will help girls believe they can lead and aim higher in life.”

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa, 20, disagrees:

“She says the same things as men. We shouldn’t treat her differently just because she’s a woman.”

Takaichi was supported by powerful conservative leaders, including the late Shinzo Abe and Taro Aso. That support helped her win, but it also makes people doubt how much she can truly change.

Now, as Japan’s new prime minister, she faces many problems rising prices, a weak economy, and low public trust.
People are waiting to see if she will fight for women’s rights or continue the same old politics.