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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female leader is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

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

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for families spending on child-rearing.

But she has historically supported the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

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

Ideological Context and Associations

It is not just 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 within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.