Tanaka's behavior is read as an aberration, not a subtle sign of a shift in policy. In addition, some Americans were troubled by Tanaka's defensive use of traditional female stereotypes when forced to excuse some of her initial erratic actions. The deeper worry of those Americans concerned about the role of women in Japanese society is that Tanaka has sabotaged an opportunity to be a role model for younger women who aspire to a high-level career. Her sorry behavior may become a reason not to give other Japanese women a similar chance. American interest in this development is two fold.
Many American women support the progress of women in all cultures.
And they have long been frustrated by the slow progress of Japanese women. Of more immediate importance to Japan's economic well-being, and by extension to US economic fortunes, many American economists and business people with experience in Japan firmly believe that women are an untapped Japanese economic resource that is crucial to Japan's economic recovery. From that perspective, any setback for integrating women into the Japanese workforce may also be another impediment to Japan's economic rebound. Nevertheless, there is widespread acknowledgement in Washington that Tanaka is climbing a steep learning curve in her first meaningful role on the world stage. It's all new to her.