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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever woman leader is powerful and influential.

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

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, the young woman 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 “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for households spending on childcare.

Yet she has historically supported the idea of a conventional position for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar performance on gender issues.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

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

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. In detail, females make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a female.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly 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 patriarchy.

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the government's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are going to expect the identical from us as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Upcoming Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be high on her agenda.