The Nation's Pioneering Woman Prime Minister: A Historic Moment that Comes with Caveats

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

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed 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 observe how people outside Japan have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base 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 retaining their maiden names.

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

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

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

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

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

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

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. In detail, females make up about less than 16% of legislators 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 form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that office.

“She's also not really going against the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by who her champions inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for women to sort of relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

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

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

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