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

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

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

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

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Instead, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces 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 nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the idea of a more traditional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Context

Women in Japan are some of the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe 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 global organization, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. Specifically, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment 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 society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out 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 challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

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

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

It is not just what Takaichi has said which has caused individuals to describe her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

It's also evident by who her champions within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

His faction'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 identify with her success because it promotes this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a symbol for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

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

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.