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To numerous young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever female prime minister is impactful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is now led by a female.

However, although the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an advocate for change.

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

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

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

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

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

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

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have different last names, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she moderated certain her messaging during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for families investing in childcare.

Yet she has over the years supported the idea of a more traditional position for women in society and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's subpar record on gender issues.

Japan's Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a conservative society that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 nations, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of women legislators and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economy places last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about 15.7% of legislators 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 “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception sold over the counter in over ninety nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could alter how women view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” 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 females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still persist.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her over three decades to reach that position.

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

The young woman further states 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 policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

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

It's also apparent by which individuals her supporters inside the party have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the conservative wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her success because it promotes this notion that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, saying that with her as a symbol for females in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from us as too”.

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as hosting the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

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