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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful 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 suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive view.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces 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 nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of potential deductions for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional role for females in society and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar record on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

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

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who became the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

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

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

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

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

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

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

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

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.