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

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

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

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted 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 opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to boost the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“She's also 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 platform simply because she is a woman.

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

Political Background and Influences

It is not only 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 within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the conservative wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is challenging for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

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

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.