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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman leader is impactful and formative.

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 don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite interesting to observe how people outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights 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 “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for households spending on childcare.

But she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, women constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow 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 at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how females view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to get to that position.

“She's also not really challenging the norm. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

Additionally, it is apparent by who her champions within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “people are going to expect the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.