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For many female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural female leader is powerful and formative.

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

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

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

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

Additionally, she is against women being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional position for females in society and in the family.

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of legislators 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 type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how females perceive their opportunities.

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

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

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

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

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

Ideological Context and Influences

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.