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For many young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female prime minister is powerful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

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

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

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned potential tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

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

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

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion 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 emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“She's also not truly going against the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

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

She was mentored of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

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

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.