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For many female youth in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's first ever woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

It means a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

However, although the appearances speak of a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” noting: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

She's also against women being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide daycare services to their employees and mentioned potential deductions for households investing in childcare.

Yet she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional role for women in the community and in the home.

When it comes to gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the world 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 ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, 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 corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. Specifically, women constitute 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 announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Leadership

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, even as biased expectations and norms still persist.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“She's also not truly challenging the grain. She's saying the same thing as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the late former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

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

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “the public are going to expect the same from us as well”.

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.