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For many young girls in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the country's inaugural female prime minister is powerful and influential.

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

However, although the appearances speak of a progressive moment, some women do not view her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals beyond Japan's borders have reacted to the news,” 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 significant chance for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

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

Conversely, Ms Ogura points to her “political beliefs and what she represents,” adding: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

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

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

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the governing Liberal Democratic Party to appeal to the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's more extreme conservative groups.

Takaichi opposes same-sex marriage and has consistently voted against legislation that would allow married couples to have different last names, preventing many women from retaining their maiden names.

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

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that offer childcare facilities to their employees and mentioned possible tax breaks for households investing in child-rearing.

Yet she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional position for females in society and in the home.

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

The Country's Gender Gap in Perspective

Women in Japan are some of the best educated and highest qualified in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a conservative society that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest equality ranking by the World Economic Forum, Japan ranked 118th out of among 148 nations, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Leadership positions have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to boost the quantity of female lawmakers and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economy ranks at the bottom among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its national parliament. Specifically, women make up about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: recently was it revealed that the “emergency” pill – a type of emergency contraception available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Appointment

Even so, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a pivotal moment that could change how females view their opportunities.

“There is great significance in the new prime minister assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” Naomi Koshi – who became the nation's most youthful woman city leader in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is normal to “stand out” as authorities in businesses and society, despite biased expectations and norms still persist.

However Audrey Hill-Uekawa notes that, while it is remarkable Japan has its first female prime minister, one must remember it took her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not truly going against the norm. She's saying the same thing as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa further states that she ought not be placed on a pedestal simply because she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're talking about her policies. We need to be capable of evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Ideological Background and Associations

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

Additionally, it is apparent by which individuals her champions within the LDP have been.

She's the protégé of the late ex- hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the LDP at the head of one of the government's most powerful right-wing factions.

Their group's support for Sanae Takaichi was crucial in consolidating the party's right wing behind her.

“I believe that it is challenging for females to sort of identify with her achievement because it furthers this idea that we have to be compliant with the existing system,” 21-year-old a citizen says.

Ms Ogura concurs, stating that with her as a symbol for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from women as well”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our role harder.”

Future Obstacles and Anticipations

Making history, however, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will face – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and irate electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within a short time of assuming office.

It's safe to say that few anticipate women's rights matters to be high on her agenda.