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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman prime minister is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

However, although the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past 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, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families spending on child-rearing.

Yet she has historically backed the idea of a conventional role for women in society and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy places at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

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

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for women to sort of relate to her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be obedient with the status quo,” young adult a citizen says.

The 21-year-old concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are going to expect the identical from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they have, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.