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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to observe how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

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’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic view.”

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

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

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move 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 different last names, preventing many women from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she moderated some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has historically backed the notion of a conventional position for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society 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 particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 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 pivotal moment that could alter how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her over three decades to reach that office.

“She's also not truly going against the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be capable of criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her champions within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura agrees, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Upcoming Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

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