Takaichi Sanae is now the head of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) – the first woman to hold that position. She may also become Japan’s first female prime minister (although that’s currently far from certain).
While her election marks a historic milestone, Japanese feminist critics on social media have labeled her an “honorary man” — a term suggesting conformity to male-dominated political norms. The debate reflects broader questions about whether Takaichi’s leadership will truly advance gender equality or reinforce traditional values in Japan’s politics and society.
“She speaks entirely from a male perspective”
In the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election on October 4, former Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae, the only female candidate, was elected as the new party president. In normal circumstances, that would pave the way for her to become the nation’s first female prime minister.
That isn’t certain, however. News broke this week that the Kōmeitō, which has allied itself with the LDP for decades, is ending its coalition. (See Tobias Harris at Observing Japan for more on the background between the two parties.) While it’s still unlikely, there’s a possibility Takaichi might never become PM.
Still, Takaichi’s ascension would normally be seen as a historic victory for women in the country, where female political representation is extraordinarily low. However, a wave of users on Japanese social media are denying the achievement by labeling Takaichi an “honorary man” (名誉男性; meiyo dansei).
One user wrote on X, “She speaks entirely from a male perspective! As expected from Takaichi Sanae, the honorary man (not a compliment). You can glimpse part of her tactics that helped her climb to the top as the LDP’s first female leader. In a worldview where such fossil-like thinking is praised, talk of women’s empowerment carries zero weight.”
Another user, claiming to be Kanagawa Shimbun journalist Kashio Akiko, also posted, “The reality is that unless a woman over-adapts to male norms and becomes an ‘honorary man,’ she can’t hold a key position. We still have a long way to go.”
The concept of an “honorary male” isn’t unique to Japan. It’s a part of feminist theory that refers to how some women take on traditionally male-dominated roles without altering societal gender norms for others. Great Britain’s Margaret Thatcher is often the prime example cited in the modern political era.
Despite the historic breakthrough of Japan’s first female prime minister, such criticism reflects lingering skepticism toward Takaichi’s past policies and public remarks.
Takaichi’s stance on separate surnames adds to “honorary man” allegations
One reason Takaichi was labeled an “honorary man” could stem from her past policies and statements, particularly her stance on Japan’s selective married couple separate surname system. Under Japan’s Civil Code, married couples must share the same last name. Although they can choose either spouse’s surname, about 96 percent of couples adopt the husband’s name.
As a result, many women support introducing a separate surname system, which would allow couples to keep different surnames if they wish. Under the current law, once women adopt their husband’s name, they must change their names on passports, bank accounts, driver’s licenses, and workplace documents after marriage. Some women feel this process causes them to lose professional credibility and personal identity.
However, Takaichi has taken a cautious stance toward legalizing the system. She’s argued that the government should “create an environment where as many people as possible do not feel inconvenienced.”
At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of allowing people to continue using their maiden names even after officially changing their surnames in family registers. She supports expanding the use of maiden names in daily life as a practical step before legal reform.
Feminist voices question whether Takaichi’s leadership would advance gender equality
Even if Takaichi becomes PM, some doubt she will advance women’s rights. Nojo Momoko, representative director of NO YOUTH NO JAPAN, a group promoting gender equality, said, “It’s hard to expect progress on gender equality just because the leader is a woman.”
Nojo says that Takaichi lacks policies to create a society where women can live and work more easily. “To survive in the LDP and reach her current position, she likely had to hide her identity as a woman. By adapting to the male-dominated culture and being appreciated for it, she secured her position,” Nojo explained.
“Takaichi is very reluctant to dismantle traditional gender roles,” Nojo said, pointing to her resistance to separate spousal surnames. “If she becomes prime minister, Japan’s progress on gender equality could move backward.”
“Abandon work-life balance” remark fuels questions over whether Takaichi represents women
One remark in particular from Takaichi’s inauguration speech as LDP President stirred debate.
Speaking to fellow LDP members and party officials, Takaichi said, “We have so few people now, so everyone must work. You will all work like carriage horses. I myself will abandon the idea of work-life balance. I’ll be working and working and working.”
Her comments drew both praise and criticism, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. The divided opinions reflected Japan’s ongoing struggles over work culture and values in a society where “death by overwork” is a common phenomenon.
Takaichi has also told reporters on another occasion, “Please make sure you maintain your work-life balance. I’ll be the one working,” suggesting she was not forcing her beliefs on others. Still, such remarks and her policy stance may have contributed to the criticism labeling her an “honorary man.”
Reactions to the ‘abandon work-life balance’ remark
Takaichi Sanae’s comment about “abandoning work-life balance” has drawn criticism from feminists and experts alike. One feminist expressed disappointment on social media, writing, “I was disheartened by her remark to ‘abandon work-life balance.’ Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took parental leave during her term and gave hope to the world. I wanted to see that kind of ‘first female leader’ who inspires hope.”
Journalist Asaoka Akiko also wrote, “I’ve never felt so unhappy about a woman’s first appointment. We must stop Japan’s shift to the right.”
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Honorary male. Wikipedia
