Japan PM says housework adds hours to her schedule
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IN SHORT
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Wednesday that she spends an additional three to four hours daily on household duties compared to her male predecessors, on top of her demanding work schedule. Takaichi, who was elected last year as Japan's first female prime minister, described her morning routine, which includes bathing, preparing breakfast, and washing dishes, before applying makeup.
Key Numbers
3-4additional hours spent on household duties daily by Japan's PM compared to male
72days Japan's PM attended parliamentary sessions in 2022
50days UK PM attended parliamentary sessions in 2022
13days Germany's Chancellor attended parliamentary sessions in 2022
5-7hours Japanese prime ministers customarily spend daily in parliamentary sessions
Who's Involved
Sanae Takaichi
Japan's prime minister who said she spends more time on household duties than male predecessors
Fumitake Fujita
Japan Innovation Party lawmaker who cited parliamentary session hours
↳ Why This Matters
The comments highlight the persistent gender roles in Japan and the challenges women face in balancing traditional domestic responsibilities with demanding political careers, particularly in a country where parliamentary engagement is exceptionally time-consuming for leaders.
Key facts
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she spends three to four more hours than male predecessors on household duties.
Takaichi is Japan's first woman prime minister, elected last year.
Japanese prime ministers typically spend five to seven hours daily in parliamentary sessions.
In 2022, Japan's prime minister attended parliamentary sessions for 72 days, versus 50 in the UK and 13 in Germany.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Wednesday that she likely spends three to four more hours than her male predecessors on household duties, in addition to her demanding work schedule. Takaichi, who was elected last year as Japan's first woman prime minister, detailed her morning routine, which includes bathing, preparing breakfast, washing dishes, and applying makeup.
Discussions about Takaichi's time management arose when a ruling coalition member inquired about the extensive hours Japanese prime ministers typically dedicate to parliamentary sessions. It is common for Japanese leaders to spend five to seven hours daily in parliament, being questioned by opposition lawmakers or otherwise present. In 2022, Japan's prime minister attended parliamentary sessions for 72 days, compared to 50 days in the United Kingdom and 13 in Germany, according to lawmaker Fumitake Fujita of the Japan Innovation Party.
Takaichi has previously described herself as a workaholic, sometimes sleeping only two to four hours a night and scheduling staff meetings as early as 3 a.m. In July, she posted on X that she was "getting consumed until dawn with poring over documents brought home from work and those related to parliamentary questioning." She added on Wednesday that while she enjoys reading these documents, it is difficult to "squeeze out time to buckle down and think with a clear head" about the country's future.
Frequently asked questions
Sanae Takaichi is the current Prime Minister of Japan and the first woman to hold the office.
Japanese prime ministers customarily spend five to seven hours a day attending parliamentary sessions.
Takaichi stated she spends an additional three to four hours on household duties compared to male prime ministers.
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How It Developed
Sanae Takaichi stated she spends three to four more hours than male prime ministers on household duties.
Takaichi described her morning routine including bathing, fixing breakfast, washing dishes, and applying makeup.
Lawmaker Fumitake Fujita noted that Japanese prime ministers customarily spend five to seven hours a day attending parliamentary sessions.
Fujita cited a study showing Japan's prime minister attended parliamentary sessions for 72 days in 2022, compared to 50 in the UK and 13 in Germany.
Takaichi mentioned in July that she was consumed by documents until dawn, making it difficult to think clearly about the country's future direction.
