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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman leader is powerful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura 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 women empowerment and equal rights 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 strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional position for females in society and in the home.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

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

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

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

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

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women 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 beliefs that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.