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

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted 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 women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential deductions for households spending on childcare.

But she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Context and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the patriarchy.

It's also evident by who her champions inside the party have were.

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

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

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

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and irate voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.