Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed on Wednesday that she dedicates “three or four more hours” to household duties compared to her male predecessors, highlighting the challenges of balancing domestic responsibilities with her political role. This statement, made during a parliamentary session, underscores the persistent gender roles in Japan, where women remain significantly underrepresented in politics.
In her remarks, Takaichi detailed her morning routine, which includes bathing, preparing breakfast, washing dishes, and applying makeup, all before her official duties begin. “I feel like I’m spending three or four more hours than male prime ministers doing these things,” she stated, emphasizing the additional burden that comes with her position as Japan’s first female prime minister.
Takaichi, who describes herself as a workaholic, has previously mentioned her demanding schedule, often sleeping only two to four hours a night and holding early morning meetings. Her comments arose during a discussion about the extensive hours Japanese prime ministers typically spend in parliamentary sessions, which can last five to seven hours daily. This inquiry was prompted by a coalition member’s question regarding her time management amidst such rigorous demands.
According to lawmaker Fumitake Fujita from the Japan Innovation Party, a study indicated that in 2022, Japan’s prime minister attended parliamentary sessions for 72 days, significantly more than counterparts in the United Kingdom and Germany, who attended for 50 and 13 days, respectively. Fujita argued that the lengthy hours spent in parliament do not align with global standards for political leadership.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) in July, Takaichi expressed her struggles with time management, stating that she often finds herself “consumed until dawn” with work-related documents. “I do enjoy reading these piles of documents at midnight that I took home,” she noted, but acknowledged the difficulty in finding time to reflect on the country’s future direction and her vision for it.
This candid discussion about the intersection of gender roles and political responsibilities in Japan highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in leadership positions. As Takaichi navigates her dual roles, her experiences may resonate with many women balancing professional and domestic duties worldwide.
For further insights, see the full report by Gulf Today.
