Japan's Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has sparked concern over her commitment to work-life balance, revealing that she survives on just two to four hours of sleep a night. This revelation comes as a shock to many, especially given her political hero Margaret Thatcher's own minimal sleep habits. Takaichi's heavy workload and demanding schedule have raised eyebrows, with a recent 3 am meeting with aides to prepare for a budget committee hearing just six hours later being a notable example. Japan's long working hours and corporate culture, which often involves socializing with colleagues in the evening, have been blamed for a rise in karoshi, or death from overwork, and for contributing to the country's low birthrate. There are concerns that Takaichi's administration may prioritize economic growth by extending overtime hours, potentially compromising workers' health. Despite her own struggles with sleep, Takaichi has urged her colleagues to 'work like a horse', drawing mixed reactions from both supporters and opponents. The prime minister's busy schedule, including international summits and diplomatic meetings, adds to the challenge of finding time for rest. As Japan grapples with the issue of long working hours, Takaichi's sleep habits and work ethic have become a topic of debate, raising questions about the country's approach to work-life balance.
