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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever woman leader is impactful and formative.

This signifies a male-oriented culture and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a woman.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females do not view her as an champion of progress.

It was rather fascinating to see how individuals outside Japan have responded to the announcement,” Ayda Ogura says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Instead, Ms Ogura points to her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her country.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to attract the more conservative supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

Takaichi opposes marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would permit married couples to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their birth surnames.

Additionally, she is opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

However, she moderated certain her statements during her campaign – saying she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that offer daycare services to their staff and spoke of possible tax breaks for households spending on childcare.

But she has historically backed the notion of a conventional position for women in the community and in the home.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar record on equality concerns.

The Country's Inequality in Context

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics notably low.

Leadership positions have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of females in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it announced that the “emergency” 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, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how women view their opportunities.

“It is highly meaningful 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 “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is acceptable to “excel” as authorities in businesses and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman leader, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that position.

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

Ms Hill-Uekawa 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 discussing her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her fairly as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Influences

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

Additionally, it is evident by which individuals her supporters within the LDP have been.

She was mentored of the deceased ex- hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the government's most influential right-wing factions.

Their group's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing behind her.

“I do feel that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this idea that we must be obedient with the existing system,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi says.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for women in politics, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

“They will demand us to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and rising prices and regaining the confidence of a discontented and irate electorate, as in addition to hosting the US leader within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that no-one expects women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.