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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is impactful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

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

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional position for women in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that position.

“She's also not really challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her success because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be a top priority on her agenda.