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To numerous female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's first ever female prime minister 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 female.

However, although the optics suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather fascinating to see how people beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a great opportunity for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

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

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

A strong admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi has long aspired to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Observers say her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing LDP to attract the increasingly right-leaning supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has long stood against legislation 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 some of her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for families spending on childcare.

But she has over the years supported the idea of a conventional role for females in society and in the family.

When it comes to women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's subpar performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the globe and yet they face challenges with the demands of a traditional culture that still pushes them into conventional positions.

According to the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among 148 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

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

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks at the bottom among the G7 countries when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in over ninety countries – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, certain individuals view Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could alter how women view their prospects.

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

She contended Japan having a female prime minister will “reduce mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

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

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

The young woman adds that she ought not be placed on a platform just due to the fact she is a female.

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

Ideological Context and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has said which has led people to label her as a supporter of the patriarchy.

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She's the protégé of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by Taro Aso – a senior figure in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is challenging for women to somewhat identify with her success because it furthers this idea that we must be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen remarks.

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

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

Future Challenges and Expectations

Achieving this milestone, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the confidence of a discontented and angry voting public, as in addition to welcoming the US leader within days of assuming office.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate gender equality issues to be high on her priority list.