On September 29th, 2021, history was made in Japan when Sanae Takaichi was elected the first-ever woman to lead the country’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). This momentous achievement has been hailed as a step towards gender equality and progress for Japanese women in politics. While it is undoubtedly a significant milestone, it is worth noting that Takaichi is not a feminist and does not identify as one. In a country where women are still fighting for equal representation and rights, her appointment brings hope but also raises questions about the true extent of progress for women in Japan’s political landscape.
Takaichi’s rise to leadership is a remarkable feat in a country where patriarchy and traditional gender roles still hold sway. Japan ranks 121 out of 153 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, highlighting the wide gap in women’s economic, political, educational, and health opportunities. This disparity is evident in the underrepresentation of women in Japanese politics, with only around 10% of parliamentary seats held by women. Against this backdrop, Takaichi’s ascent to becoming the LDP’s leader is a breakthrough moment for Japanese women and a testament to her determination and political acumen.
However, Takaichi’s views on feminism, or lack thereof, have raised eyebrows and sparked debates about what her leadership could mean for women’s rights in Japan. In her acceptance speech, she stated that she did not want to be known as a “woman politician” but rather a “politician who happens to be a woman.” This statement reflects Takaichi’s belief that gender should not be a defining factor in her leadership, and she should be judged based on her abilities and policies rather than her gender. While this sentiment is admirable, it also sidesteps the crucial issue of gender inequality and the need for more representation and opportunities for women in Japan’s political sphere.
Takaichi’s perspective on feminism is not unique. In fact, it is quite common among Japanese politicians, who often shy away from the term and its connotations. This is partly due to cultural values that prioritize modesty and humility, making it difficult for women to assert themselves as feminist leaders. It is also reflective of the deep-rooted gender roles in Japanese society, where traditional expectations of women to be caregivers and homemakers still prevail. Takaichi has acknowledged that she does not view herself as a feminist and has stated that she does not want to “force Japanese-style feminism” on others, indicating her reluctance to challenge traditional gender norms.
While Takaichi may not identify as a feminist, her election as the LDP’s leader has already sparked discussions about the role of women in Japanese politics. As the head of the largest political party in Japan, she now has a platform to champion women’s issues and advocate for more representation in the decision-making process. This could have a ripple effect on other political parties and potentially lead to more opportunities for women in politics. Takaichi has already stated that she intends to increase the number of female candidates for the LDP in the upcoming general election, a move that could bring about much-needed change in Japan’s male-dominated political landscape.
Furthermore, Takaichi’s appointment challenges the common perception that women in Japanese politics are only seen as figureheads or puppets of their male counterparts. As the LDP’s first female leader, she is no longer expected to conform to traditional gender roles and has the opportunity to redefine leadership in Japanese politics. This could inspire other women to enter politics and break the gender barriers that have held many back from pursuing careers in this field.
In conclusion, Takaichi’s election as the first female leader of Japan’s ruling party, while not a feminist, is a significant step towards gender equality and progress for Japanese women. Her leadership brings hope for increased representation and opportunities for women in politics, challenging the deeply ingrained gender norms in Japanese society. While there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality in Japan, Takaichi’s appointment is a momentous milestone that should be celebrated and used as a catalyst for further change.
