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For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman leader is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

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

It was rather interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the patriarchal system.”

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also opposed to females being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible deductions for households investing in child-rearing.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional position for women in society and in the family.

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

Japan's Inequality 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 pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

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

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

Ideological Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who her champions inside the party have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

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