🔗 Share this article

For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

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

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

Conversely, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional position for females in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

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

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, 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 female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not truly challenging the grain. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

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

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of assuming office.

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