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For many female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever female leader is powerful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance 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 “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

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

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

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties 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 share of females in its national parliament. In detail, females 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 “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how females view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to get to that office.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be capable of criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters inside the party have were.

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

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

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

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.