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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural woman prime minister is impactful and formative.

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

However, although the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

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’.

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

Instead, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

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

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a conventional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to get to that position.

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

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

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be capable of criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also apparent by who her champions within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

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

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of taking power.

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