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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female prime minister is powerful and formative.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people outside Japan have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura 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 equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

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

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning 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 allow spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.

She's also against females 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 offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the notion of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, even as biased expectations and expectations still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“She's also not really going against the grain. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

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

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from us as too”.

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

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.