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

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the optics suggest a progressive moment, some women don't see 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 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 gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer 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 firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling LDP 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 legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – saying she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

But she has historically supported the idea of a more traditional position for women in the community and in the home.

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

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of 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 struggled to boost the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. In detail, females 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 female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could alter how females view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the male politicians.”

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by who her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

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

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

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