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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female prime minister is impactful and influential.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

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

In my opinion that's a very naive view.”

Instead, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional role for women in the community and in the family.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how females perceive 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 nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

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

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

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.