When Japan elects its first female leader, Sanae Takaichi, it marks a historic shift for one of the world’s largest economies. Her election as Japan’s first woman prime minister highlights a milestone that the United States—despite being a global symbol of democracy—has yet to achieve. Many are asking: how did Japan, a nation with deep-rooted gender norms, reach this point before the U.S.?

Japan Elects First Female Leader Amid Persistent Gender Gaps

Takaichi, a member of Japan’s conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and an ally of the late Shinzo Abe, succeeds Shigeru Ishiba following his resignation. Her victory positions Japan ahead of the U.S. in breaking one of politics’ most enduring barriers. Among G20 nations, only a few—the U.S., China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia—have never had a woman head of government. Unlike these nations, the U.S. conducts free elections, which makes its absence of female leadership even more striking.
Still, Japan’s gender equality record remains uneven. In the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Japan ranks 118th out of 148 nations, while the U.S. sits at 42nd. Women occupy only 9.9% of seats in Japan’s House of Representatives, and fewer than 1% of Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed firms have a female CEO. The gender pay gap is also wider than in the U.S., with women earning roughly 74.8 cents for every male dollar.

Why Japan May Be More Open to Female Leadership

Despite these disparities, studies show that Japan’s public opinion has become more accepting of women in power than that of the U.S. A Stanford University study found that a majority of Japanese citizens would support women in parliament or executive roles, while a Tokyo Foundation survey showed that only 10% of respondents opposed having a female prime minister.
By contrast, a recent American University poll revealed that 18% of U.S. voters still say they would not vote for a qualified woman. That figure climbs to 25% among voters under 50, suggesting generational bias persists. In essence, Japan’s electorate may have outpaced the U.S. in its willingness to embrace female leadership—even as its institutions lag behind.

Takaichi’s Complex Stance on Women’s Issues

While Takaichi’s leadership breaks symbolic ground, her policy positions reveal nuance—and controversy. She has pledged to increase female representation in Japan’s cabinet to match Nordic benchmarks, where women hold roughly half of ministerial positions. However, her stance on key women’s rights issues is more conservative.
Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage, rejects changes to the Civil Code that would let married couples keep separate surnames, and has resisted allowing a woman to ascend to Japan’s imperial throne. These views have led some observers to question whether her leadership will translate into meaningful policy changes for women—or simply mark symbolic progress.

What Japan’s Milestone Means for the U.S.

The fact that Japan elects its first female leader before the U.S. offers a lesson in political culture and societal readiness. Representation alone doesn’t guarantee equality—but it matters. Studies show that female leaders serve as powerful role models, inspiring more women to pursue public office and reducing gender bias over time.
Even if Takaichi’s policies remain conservative, her presence at the helm of a G7 nation signals a new era for global leadership. The U.S., still waiting for its first woman president, now faces renewed scrutiny—and perhaps, a reminder that breaking the highest glass ceiling requires not only opportunity but the collective will to embrace change.