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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman leader is impactful and influential.

It means a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a forward-thinking era, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to observe how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura states.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and equal rights in Japan’.

In my opinion 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 strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

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

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her election bid – saying she supports giving financial benefits to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible deductions for households spending on childcare.

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

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Context

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

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among nearly 150 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 world's fourth largest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, females make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who was elected as the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders 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 leader, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not truly challenging the norm. She's saying the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a woman.

“It is essential to make sure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Ideological Context and Associations

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

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

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

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we must 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 going to expect the identical from women as well”.

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

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a frustrated and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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