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For many young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female prime minister is powerful and influential.

It means 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 progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather 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 female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

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

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional position for women in the community and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how females view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be capable of evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.