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For many young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female leader is powerful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against females being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional role for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her country's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

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

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power 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 the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the grain. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the late former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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