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

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite interesting to observe how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

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

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

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

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

However, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the home.

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

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly 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 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as 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 reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against 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.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

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

She was mentored of the deceased former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to sort of identify with her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

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

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.