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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural female leader is powerful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the optics suggest a forward-thinking era, some women don't see her as an champion of progress.

“It was quite interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the news,” Ayda Ogura states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female 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.”

Instead, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces 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.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

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

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would allow spouses to have separate surnames, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften some of her statements during her election bid – saying she supports giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their staff and mentioned potential deductions for families investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically backed the idea of a more traditional position for females in the community and in the family.

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

Japan's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

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 traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its legislative body. In detail, females constitute about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

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

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to get to that position.

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

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

“We need to ensure we're discussing her policies. We must be able to evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to sort of identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are going to expect the same from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the trust of a discontented and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.