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For many female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

But while the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

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

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

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

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

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

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

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

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

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

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

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.