'It's bad for my skin' - Japan’s PM Takaichi says following backlash over 3am meeting: Video
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi defended her approach to work-life balance on Friday, November 14, after drawing criticism for summoning staff to a meeting at 3 am, a move opponents say reflects an unhealthy work culture within her administration.
Speaking before a legislative committee in Tokyo, Takaichi acknowledged her punishing schedule but framed it within a broader conversation about modernising Japan’s work norms.
“I currently only get about two hours of sleep a night, up to four hours on the longest days, so I think it's bad for my skin,” she said. “But if we could balance childcare and nursing care according to our wishes, and still be able to work, enjoy leisure time, and relax, that would be the ideal situation.”
Takaichi insisted that creating a system that supports both men and women in juggling work, childcare, and eldercare is essential, adding: “I believe it is necessary to realise a way of working that allows both men and women to balance work with childcare or elderly care, according to their wishes.”
Her comments came after staff and opposition lawmakers described the 3 am meeting as “crazy” and symptomatic of poor leadership that pressures employees into unreasonable hours.
Akira Koike, Secretary-General of the Japanese Communist Party, said the incident underlined the need for wider reforms. “To create a society where both men and women can share housework, childcare, and elderly care, ensuring that workers have free time—time they can use as they wish—is an important issue for Japanese society.”
Takaichi admitted last week that the early-morning gathering was held to prepare for a budget committee session scheduled less than six hours later.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
