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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural female prime minister is powerful and influential.

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

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

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

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement 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 reinforces the patriarchal system.”

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

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she moderated certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the notion of a more traditional position for women in society and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her country's subpar performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into traditional roles.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 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 number of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women perceive their opportunities.

“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 most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that position.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds 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 must be capable of evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to sort of relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects women's rights matters to be a top priority on her agenda.