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For many young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female prime minister is impactful and influential.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

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

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional position for women in the community and in the family.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion 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 emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women view their prospects.

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

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we must be obedient with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

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

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.