In a historic move, Takaichi has been appointed by the Japanese parliament as the nation’s first female head of government, marking a pivotal moment in its political landscape. Her appointment comes as part of a swiftly negotiated coalition deal, making Takaichi the fifth leader Japan has seen in as many years.

Takaichi’s political stance is firmly rooted on the right of the already conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). One of her controversial positions is her opposition to changing a 19th-century law requiring married couples to have the same surname. This law predominantly results in women adopting their husband’s last name.

According to political analyst Kawato, this deeply entrenched issue is unlikely to be tackled during Takaichi’s term in office. The current legislation sees over 90 percent of women taking their husband’s surname, a practice that many critics, including business groups and some progressive members of the LDP, argue negatively impacts women’s professional lives.

Despite these critiques, a small but vocal segment within conservative circles maintains that the law is crucial for maintaining family unity. This ongoing debate highlights the tension between tradition and modernity in Japan’s evolving societal norms.

Conservative record, Ishin confluence

The current rule means that wives take their husbands’ names in more than 90 per cent of cases. Critics, including business lobbies and even some liberal-leaning LDP members, say this disproportionately affects women’s careers, while the small group of opponents within the conservative circle calls it indispensable to family unity.

The parties also agreed to promote male-only succession of Japan’s imperial family, which would be “simply sexist” without a rational explanation, Otsuka said.

Nordic levels

“This is extremely disappointing and offers no hope for women’s empowerment.”

Sanae Takaichi’s new cabinet has only two women members. Source: AFP / Kaname Yoneyama

When asked about her cabinet’s gender imbalance, Takaichi told a Tuesday press conference that she “prioritised equal opportunity” and “assigned the right people to the right positions”.