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

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

But while the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow married couples 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 moderated some of her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional role for women in society and in the home.

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

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to get to that position.

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

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

“We need to make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Influences

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

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

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

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

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

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to welcoming 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 agenda.