Japan's First Female Prime Minister: An Unprecedented Event with Caveats

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

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

“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 gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Instead, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

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

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

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

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

But she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional position for women in the community and in the home.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not really going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We need to be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by who her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late ex- 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 head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in government, “people are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.