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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever woman leader is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a political system that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

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

It was rather interesting to see how people outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a rather simplistic view.”

Instead, the young woman points to 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 always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

However, she moderated certain her statements during her election bid – stating she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive performance on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its legislative body. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

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

Differing Responses to the Landmark Appointment

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

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” Naomi Koshi – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and norms still remain.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, it is important to recall it took her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not truly challenging the norm. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed 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 fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

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

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the conservative wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of relate to her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “people are going to expect the identical from women as well”.

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – including tackling a sluggish economy and rising prices and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her priority list.