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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female leader is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

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

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

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

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against women being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional role for females in the community and in the home.

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

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

Based on the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure 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 more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how females perceive their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

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

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, 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 uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is difficult for females to sort of identify with her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as hosting president Trump 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.