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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's inaugural female prime minister is powerful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a woman.

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to observe how people outside Japan have responded to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her leadership is a tactical move from the governing LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their maiden names.

Additionally, she is against women being in line for succession in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that offer daycare services to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for households investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional role for females in the community and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are among the best educated and most skilled 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 ranked 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. In detail, females make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing 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 biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put 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 Influences

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

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

She's the protégé of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be conforming, not oppose the beliefs that they have, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.