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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is powerful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted 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 very naive interpretation.”

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their maiden names.

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

However, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for households spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional position for females in society and in the family.

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

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Appointment

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

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

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

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as too”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.