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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever female leader is powerful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a woman.

But while the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura 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 rather simplistic interpretation.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” 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.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

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

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families investing in child-rearing.

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

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

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. In detail, females make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

It is even slow 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 at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how females view their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the norm. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Influences

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who her champions within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in uniting the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

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

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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