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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman leader is powerful and influential.

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

But while the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, 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 significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

She's also opposed to women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a more traditional position for women in the community and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the demands 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 among 148 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women 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: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

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

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

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, even as biased expectations and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

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

Political Background and Influences

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

It's also apparent by who her champions inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are going to expect the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.