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

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

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

It was rather interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” 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 equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, the young woman points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

She's also opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she moderated some of her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

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

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

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

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her over three decades to reach that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We must be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Context and Associations

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

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

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

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

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within days of assuming office.

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