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For many female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader 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 female.

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years backed the notion of a more traditional position for females in society and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified 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 gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

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

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that position.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

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

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former conservative 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 ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as too”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.