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For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural woman prime minister is powerful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has long been dominated by men is now led by a woman.

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite fascinating to see how people beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”

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

A strong admirer 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 staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

The leader is against same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow spouses to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also opposed to women being in line for succession in the royal household.

However, she did soften certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned potential tax breaks for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional role for females in the community and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Japanese women are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they struggle with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

It is even slow 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 over ninety nations – had at last been authorized for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Leadership

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could alter how women perceive their prospects.

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who became the nation's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed local media.

Koshi argued Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, even as biased expectations and norms still remain.

But Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to get to that office.

“Additionally, she is not really challenging the grain. She's saying the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she ought not be placed on a platform simply because she is a female.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We must be capable of criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Context and Influences

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

It's also apparent by who her champions inside the party have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed 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 conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

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

“They're going to expect us to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our role more difficult.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

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