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For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever woman leader is powerful and influential.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from keeping their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften certain her statements during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in society and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world 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 World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how females view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Influences

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

It's also evident by who her champions inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe 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 a citizen remarks.

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

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.