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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman leader is powerful and formative.

It means a male-oriented culture and a political system that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances 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,” 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 gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic view.”

Conversely, Ms Ogura highlights her “ideological stance and what she represents,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A big fan of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a firm right-wing politician.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to appeal to the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against legislation that would allow spouses to have different last names, preventing many females from retaining their birth surnames.

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

However, she moderated some of her statements during her campaign – stating she supports giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

But she has historically supported the idea of a more traditional 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 Gender Gap in Perspective

Japanese women are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they struggle with the expectations of a conservative society that still pushes them into traditional roles.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena particularly minimal.

Leadership positions have historically been held by men and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of women legislators and business leaders.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of females in its national parliament. 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 female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Landmark Leadership

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

“It is highly meaningful in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a wider influence on society,” a former mayor – who became the country's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for women and girls, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in companies and society, despite gender-based stereotypes and expectations still persist.

However a 20-year-old points out that, while it is remarkable Japan has its inaugural woman prime minister, one must remember it required her more than 30 years to reach that office.

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

The young woman further states that she shouldn't be put on a platform just due to the fact she is a woman.

“We need to make sure we're talking about her policies. We need to be able to criticise her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Context and Associations

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

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

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the leadership election 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 crucial in consolidating the conservative wing behind her.

“I believe that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the status quo,” 21-year-old Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old concurs, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in government, “people are likely to anticipate the identical from women as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it could render our job harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Achieving this milestone, however, was just the first of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a slow growth and inflation and regaining the trust of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

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