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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female leader is impactful and influential.

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

However, although the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

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

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

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

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing 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 consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, preventing many women 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 certain her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

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

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

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

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about 15.7% 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 “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved 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 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 became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

The 21-year-old concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.