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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the optics suggest a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she moderated some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for families spending on childcare.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 nations, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.