Japan's Woman PM; two memorials

"Ms Takaichi, 64, is a divisive figure in Japan and her breaking the glass ceiling has drawn a range of reactions. Her supporters have hailed her as a pioneer who knows firsthand the challenges of Japan's male dominated culture. Activists and scholars have expressed concern that she will continue to support policies that have held Japanese women back. Political rivals have accused her of serving as a puppet to men in her party; one male lawmaker described her as a bride who had married to a powerful political faction.

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“In Japan, women have long been severely underrepresented at the highest levels of business, government and society, the product of a culture that expects them to bear a disproportionate share of child care and housework.

"But on Tuesday (Oct. 21), the country was poised for a milestone: Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative lawmaker who idolizes Margaret Thatcher, is expected to be named Japan's next prime minister during an extraordinary session of Parliament. She would be the first woman at the top of the Japanese government in centuries.

"Ms Takaichi, 64, is a divisive figure in Japan and her breaking the glass ceiling has drawn a range of reactions. Her supporters have hailed her as a pioneer who knows firsthand the challenges of Japan's male dominated culture. Activists and scholars have expressed concern that she will continue to support policies that have held Japanese women back. Political rivals have accused her of serving as a puppet to men in her party; one male lawmaker described her as a bride who had married to a powerful political faction.

"But many Japanese women say they hope Ms Takaichi will help normalize the image of strong female leaders and use her platform to push family-friendly policies like expanding access to day care."

I have quoted much from an article in the New York Times of Monday October 19 reporting from Tokyo by Javier C Hernandez and River Akira Davies, titled A woman is poised to lead Japan. Will that help Japanese Women?