Japan PM's '2-hour' sleep schedule prompts concerns about work-life balance
What's the story
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has revealed that she sleeps only two to four hours a night, raising eyebrows over her commitment to work-life balance. The revelation comes after she held a controversial 3am staff meeting last week at her office for parliamentary session preparations. "I sleep about two hours now, four hours at the longest," Takaichi admitted during a legislative committee meeting.
Work culture
Debate on Japan's work culture
Takaichi's admission has sparked a debate on Japan's notorious work culture, which is often blamed for the phenomenon of "karoshi," or death from overwork. The prime minister has been criticized for her push for longer working hours to boost productivity. Her government is also considering raising the legal limit on overtime work to stimulate economic growth, a move that has raised concerns about worker health and well-being.
Criticism
Takaichi's stance on work-life balance
Despite her own sleep habits, Takaichi has emphasized the importance of balancing work with family and personal life. She said, "If we can create a situation where people can properly balance childcare and caregiving responsibilities according to their wishes...that would be ideal." However, this hasn't stopped critics from pointing out the contradiction between her words and actions.
Schedule
Takaichi's packed schedule
Since taking office as Japan's first female prime minister, Takaichi has kept a packed schedule. She has attended regional meetings and held bilateral talks with world leaders such as United States President Joe Biden, China's President Xi Jinping, and South Korea's President Lee Jae-Myung. Upon taking office as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, she declared she would "discard the term 'work-life balance' for myself. I will work, work, work, work, and work."
Colleagues
Concern over prime minister's health
Takaichi's sleep habits have drawn concern from both political allies and opponents. Ken Saito, a former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) economy minister, expressed worry over her health. Opposition MP Katsuhito Nakajima also urged her to get more sleep, to which Takaichi nodded and smiled in response. The prime minister's heavy workload has raised questions about the sustainability of such a demanding schedule.