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For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever woman leader is impactful and formative.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

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

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

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

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a conventional role for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe 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 World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions 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 the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

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

Ideological Context and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a defender of the patriarchy.

It's also evident by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

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

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the conservative wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they have, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.