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To numerous young girls in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever woman prime minister is powerful and influential.

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

But while the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to observe how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the patriarchal system.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a tactical move from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from keeping their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her campaign – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for households investing in childcare.

But she has historically backed the notion of a conventional role for females in the community and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

The Country's Gender Gap in Context

Japanese women are among the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% 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 “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Responses to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how women view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – told Japan's Kyodo news agency.

Koshi argued Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “stand out” as authorities in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her over three decades to get to that position.

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

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put 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 everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

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

It's also apparent by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the late former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

His faction's support 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 must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

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

“They will demand women to be compliant, not go against the ideals that they hold, and it could render our job more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and inflation and winning back the confidence of a frustrated and irate electorate, as in addition to welcoming president Trump within days of assuming office.

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