Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s claim that she sleeps only three hours a day has sparked widespread debate across the country, raising questions about work-life balance, the importance of adequate rest, and Japan’s long-standing culture of overwork.
The issue came into focus after Takaichi highlighted her dedication and demanding schedule. In a social media post, she said that after a long period, she had recently managed to sleep for five consecutive hours for the first time.
According to a report by The New York Times published on Wednesday (July 22), Takaichi did not take a break even during Monday’s national holiday marking Marine Day. Instead, she reviewed policy documents and responded to thousands of pending emails. She also shared that she spent part of her personal time ironing underwear, repairing a torn skirt, and fixing loose buttons on jackets.
The post received significant attention on social media and has reportedly been viewed more than 30 million times. However, her attempt to portray herself as a hardworking leader with a simple lifestyle has also triggered questions about whether such an extreme work routine is sustainable.
Opposition lawmaker Toru Kunishige warned that prolonged lack of sleep could affect a person’s judgment and decision-making ability, creating potential risks, particularly when dealing with national crises.
Another opposition figure, Hiroyuki Konishi, said that the prime minister’s primary responsibility is not to personally examine every detail of every document, but rather to make key policy decisions and provide strategic direction.
Leader of the populist conservative party Yuichiro Tamaki acknowledged that Takaichi is undoubtedly a hard worker but emphasized that taking sufficient rest is also an essential part of effectively carrying out public duties.
Professor Yoko Iwayama of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo noted that many former Japanese prime ministers relied on family support systems. However, she said Takaichi has had to manage many personal responsibilities on her own.
In an article published by Nikkei, Professor Iwayama argued that the prime minister should have access to support systems that reduce the burden of household responsibilities and allow greater focus on national affairs. She added that such arrangements could also contribute positively to the advancement of women in society.
Currently, Takaichi is working to implement key legislative priorities ahead of the parliamentary summer recess. At the same time, she faces challenges including a weakening yen, economic pressures, and declining public approval ratings.
Japan has long been known for its culture of extended working hours. Many employees work more than 12 hours a day, and spending long hours at the workplace has often been viewed as a symbol of commitment and loyalty.
However, excessive workloads have also led to concerns over “karoshi”, the Japanese term for death caused by overwork. In 2016, the suicide of a young employee at advertising giant Dentsu following excessive overtime sparked nationwide outrage and prompted the government to introduce measures to limit excessive working hours.
Active in politics since the 1990s, Takaichi has built her political identity partly around strong work ethics. Since becoming prime minister, she has repeatedly stated that she will continue working tirelessly for the nation.
Source: The New York Times, Nikkei.