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For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is powerful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to observe how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

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

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

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

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

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how women perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“She's also not really challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

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

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for females in government, “people are going to expect the identical from women as well”.

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

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.