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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the country's inaugural woman leader is impactful and influential.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is now led 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 fascinating to observe 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 female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her country.

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

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against laws that would allow married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many females from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her messaging during her campaign – saying she favours giving tax incentives to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of potential tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the notion of a conventional position for females in society and in the home.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power places last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. In detail, females constitute about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their opportunities.

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

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “excel” as authorities in companies and society, even as gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

But a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female leader, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She expresses the identical views as the men.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

“It is essential 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 just what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

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

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the ruling party's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to sort of identify with 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, saying that with her as a symbol for females in government, “people are going to expect the same from us as too”.

“They will demand us to be conforming, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it could render our role harder.”

Future Challenges and Anticipations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a frustrated and angry voting public, as in addition to hosting president Trump within a short time of taking power.

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