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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

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

It was rather interesting to observe how people outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

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

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

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling 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 marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional position for women in the community and in the home.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

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

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

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

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

Ideological Context and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the same from us as too”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.