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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is powerful and formative.

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

However, although the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather 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 great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” 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.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional role for women in the community and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of lawmakers 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 “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change 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 country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, 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 further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

It's also evident by which individuals her champions inside the party have were.

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

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.