Japanese gender roles
Japan's First Female PM Sanae Takaichi: Work Ethic, Fashion Icon Status, and Political Impact
Dec 04, 2025 10:19 am CST
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has captured national attention with her "work, work, work" mantra and unexpected fashion icon status. As Japan's first female prime minister, her black "Sanae Bag" and distinctive style have created a following among younger women, while her ultraconservative policies and intense work ethic generate both admiration and concern. This article explores the phenomenon behind Takaichi's rising popularity and what it reveals about changing perspectives on female leadership in Japanese society.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: The Challenges of Women in Japanese Politics After First Female Prime Minister
Oct 22, 2025 04:15 pm CST
Despite Japan appointing its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, women politicians continue facing deeply entrenched gender expectations in a male-dominated political landscape. Three local female councillors share their experiences of balancing careers with family pressures, highlighting persistent challenges despite symbolic progress in a country ranking 118th globally for gender equality.