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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female prime minister is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

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

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

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

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for households spending on childcare.

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

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

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in businesses and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not really challenging the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

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

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

Political Context and Influences

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “the public are going to expect the same from us as too”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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