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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural woman leader 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.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura 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’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Conversely, 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 always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 nations, 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 number of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how women view their prospects.

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

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the grain. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a woman.

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

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are going to expect the same from us as well”.

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

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.