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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman leader is powerful and formative.

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

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

“It was quite fascinating to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

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

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” 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 country.

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, preventing many females from keeping their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

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

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her country's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. Specifically, females make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Landmark Appointment

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” Naomi Koshi – who was elected as the country's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

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

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Associations

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

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

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the LDP at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to sort of relate to her success because it promotes this notion that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from us as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be conforming, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.