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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural woman leader is powerful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite interesting to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer 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 staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the home.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up 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 “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how females view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

It's also evident by who her champions inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

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

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

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