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For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural female leader is powerful and influential.

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

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

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

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to reach that office.

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

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be capable of evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's support 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 achievement because it furthers this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

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

“They will demand women to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they have, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

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