The Nation's Pioneering Woman Leader: An Unprecedented Moment that Comes with Caveats

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

This signifies 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 forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

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

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning base 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 allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their maiden names.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a more traditional position for women in the community and in the home.

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

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th 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 faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her over three decades to get to that position.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She expresses the same thing 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 make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Associations

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

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

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

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

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from us as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our role 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 regaining the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump 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.