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To numerous female youth in Japan today, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever woman leader is impactful and influential.

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

However, although the optics speak of a progressive moment, some women don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” a 21-year-old states.

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

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

Instead, the young woman highlights her “political beliefs and what she represents,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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 conservative.

Analysts note her leadership 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 legislation that would permit married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their birth surnames.

She's also against females being in line for succession in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years backed the idea of a conventional role for women 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 some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Top roles have historically been held by men and Japan has struggled 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 women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Appointment

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

“It is highly meaningful in the new prime minister becoming prime minister, with a wider influence on the public,” a former mayor – who became the country's youngest female city leader in 2012 – informed 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 “stand out” as authorities in companies and society, despite biased expectations and expectations still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa points out that, while it is notable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her over three decades to reach that office.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

The young woman further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“It is essential to make sure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

It's also evident by which individuals her supporters inside the party have been.

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

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

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are going to expect the identical from us as well”.

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

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will encounter – not least tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.