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Japan PM Takaichi’s ‘0 to 3 hours sleep’ post spurs work-style debate

From The Straits Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's social media post about sleeping only zero to three hours has sparked debate about Japan's demanding work culture.
  • Opposition figures expressed concern that her lack of sleep could impair judgment and risk national crisis management.
  • While some defended Takaichi's work ethic, others criticized her post, suggesting it was politically motivated or an attempt to gain sympathy amid declining approval ratings.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent social media post detailing her chronic sleep deprivation has ignited a national conversation about Japan's notorious work culture. Takaichi wrote on X on July 20 that "Zero to three hours of sleep has become the norm" since she took office in October 2025, describing nights spent reviewing documents until dawn while also managing household chores.

Zero to three hours of sleep has become the norm

— Sanae TakaichiPrime Minister Takaichi describing her sleep habits on social media.

She further elaborated on being "swamped with thousands of accumulated e-mails" during a recent three-day weekend, noting it was the first time in a long while she had managed five hours of sleep. This disclosure drew immediate reactions from the political sphere. Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, acknowledged Takaichi as a hard worker but stressed the importance of delegation for the prime minister to focus on essential leadership tasks, stating, "Getting rest is also part of the job."

Getting rest is also part of the job

— Yuichiro TamakiOpposition leader commenting on the importance of rest for the prime minister.

Concerns about the potential impact of sleep deprivation on governance were echoed by other opposition lawmakers. Toru Kunishige of the Centrist Reform Alliance warned that prolonged sleep shortages could "impair judgment" and "pose a risk to the nation’s crisis management," comparing the state of severe fatigue to intoxication. This is not the first time Takaichi's remarks on work have caused a stir; her earlier vow to "work, work, work, work and work" became a buzzword but also drew criticism for seemingly glorifying long hours, a culture the government itself aims to reform.

impair judgment and pose a risk to the nation’s crisis management

— Toru KunishigeLawmaker warning about the potential consequences of sleep deprivation for the prime minister.

Public reaction on X was divided. Some users defended Takaichi, highlighting her dedication, while many others were critical, with comments suggesting that "Trying to show how hard you are working will not win public support" or advising her to "Hire someone to help with the housework." Some observers suspect the post might be politically strategic, aimed at garnering sympathy as her cabinet's approval ratings have reportedly dipped since the controversial enactment of the revised Imperial House Law. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, however, defended the prime minister, stating she has no intention of "rejecting the concept of work-life balance."

Trying to show how hard you are working will not win public support

— X UserA critical comment on social media regarding Takaichi's post.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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