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For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever woman leader is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is now led by a female.

But while the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, preventing many females from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she supports giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of potential tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

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

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the best educated and highest qualified 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 equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

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

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

Political Context and Associations

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting the US leader within days of assuming office.

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