Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has ignited controversy by revealing she sleeps as little as two hours a night, fueling public debate over Japan’s entrenched culture of overwork just weeks into her tenure.
The admission follows criticism she received last week for summoning staff to a 3:00 AM meeting to prepare for a parliamentary session.
During a recent legal committee hearing, where she was pressed on reducing Japan’s notoriously long working hours, Takaichi stated, “Now I sleep about 2 hours, at most 4 hours. I feel it’s not good for my skin.”
Her remarks highlight a significant tension in a nation grappling with “karoshi,” a term for death from overwork, which underscores the severe work-life balance issues many employees face.
Upon becoming Japan’s first female Prime Minister last month, Takaichi had declared her personal commitment to intense work. She pledged, “I will abandon the term ‘work-life balance’ for myself. I will work, work, work, work, and work.”
She was also asked to clarify her government’s discussions regarding extending maximum overtime hours to promote economic growth.
Takaichi defended these discussions, explaining that employees and employers have differing needs. She noted that some individuals choose to work two jobs for income, while some businesses impose strict limits on overtime.
She stressed, however, that any modifications to working hour policies would require ensuring the protection of employees’ health.
The Prime Minister articulated an ideal scenario for citizens. “Of course, if we can create a situation where people can properly balance childcare and eldercare according to their needs, alongside work, rest, and relaxation, that would be ideal,” Takaichi said.
Since taking office, Takaichi has maintained a demanding schedule. Her duties have included attending regional conferences and engaging in bilateral talks with foreign leaders, such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.