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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed on Thursday that she averages only two to four hours of sleep each night, drawing criticism for promoting overworking. Her sleep schedule came to light after she caused a stir by organizing a staff meeting at 3 a.m. in her office to prep for a parliamentary session.
“I sleep about two hours now, four hours at most. I feel it’s bad for my skin,” she told a legislative committee when questioned about the importance of reducing Japan’s famously long working hours.
Japan has historically struggled with maintaining a healthy work-life balance, with many workers experiencing intense pressure at their jobs. The country even has a term—“karoshi”—to describe death caused by overwork.
Takaichi also addressed her government’s discussions about potentially raising the maximum allowable overtime hours to boost the economy. She defended the conversation, stating that workers and employers have differing needs. Some individuals choose to hold two jobs to make ends meet, she explained, while companies typically enforce strict overtime limits.
She emphasized that any policy changes would prioritize protecting workers’ health. “Ideally, if we can create a situation where people can balance childcare, caregiving, work, leisure, and relaxation according to their wishes, that would be perfect,” she said.
Last month, Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister. After her election as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, she vowed to “discard the term ‘work-life balance’ for myself. I will work, work, work, and work.”
Since taking office, she has maintained a busy schedule, participating in regional meetings and holding bilateral discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
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