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For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman leader is powerful and formative.

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

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

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

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract 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, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she moderated certain her messaging during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has historically supported the idea of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

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

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how females perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

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

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

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

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

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a frustrated and irate electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

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