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For many female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

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

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

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

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families spending on child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional role for women in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations 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 more than 30 years to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.