🔗 Share this article

For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever woman prime minister is impactful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” 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 very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically backed the idea of a conventional role for females in the community and in the family.

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

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women 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 conventional positions.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

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

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

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

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.