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For many young girls in Japan currently, the image of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's inaugural woman prime minister 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 forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to observe how individuals beyond Japan's borders have responded to the announcement,” a 21-year-old states.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the inaugural woman prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a great opportunity for female advancement and gender equality in Japan’.

In my opinion that's a very naive interpretation.”

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

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

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a strategic decision from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative supporters which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit married couples to have separate surnames, blocking many women from retaining their maiden names.

She's also opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she moderated some of her statements during her election bid – stating she favours giving tax incentives to companies that provide childcare facilities to their employees and spoke of potential deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

But she has historically supported the idea of a conventional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding gender matters, Takaichi is aligned with her nation's less than impressive record on gender issues.

The Country's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the globe and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

Based on the latest gender gap index by the global organization, Japan placed 118th out of among nearly 150 countries, with female representation in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by men and Japan has faced difficulties to boost the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

The world's fourth largest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. Specifically, females constitute about less than 16% of lawmakers in Japan, the lowest figure among the G7.

It is even slow when it comes to female healthcare: recently was it announced that the “emergency” pill – a form of post-coital birth control available without prescription in more than 90 nations – had at last been authorized for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Differing Responses to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a pivotal moment that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

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

She contended Japan having a woman prime minister will “lower psychological barriers” for females of all ages, helping them feel it is acceptable to “excel” as leaders in companies and the community, despite gender-based stereotypes and norms still remain.

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

“Additionally, she is not really going against the norm. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

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

“We need to ensure we're talking about her policies. We must be able to evaluate her equally as all other leaders.”

Political Context and Associations

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

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

She was mentored of the deceased former conservative prime minister a previous leader, and was backed in the party vote by Taro Aso – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the government's most powerful conservative blocs.

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

“I believe that it is difficult for females to somewhat identify with her achievement because it promotes this idea that we have to be obedient with the existing system,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura agrees, stating that with her as a figurehead for women in politics, “the public are likely to anticipate the same from us as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not oppose the beliefs that they hold, and it might make our job more difficult.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, however, was only the initial of the challenges Takaichi will face – including addressing a sluggish economy and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and irate voting public, as well as welcoming president Trump within days of taking power.

One can reasonably assume that few anticipate women's rights matters to be a top priority on her priority list.