Takaichi explains why she spends long hours in seclusion

Key Points:

• Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been increasingly working from her official residence next to her office to maximize efficiency, citing no commute and immediate access to work during emergencies.
• Since moving into the historic brick-and-stone mansion in December, Takaichi has reinforced office functions there to conduct meetings and work remotely or in person, even after office hours.
• Despite her dedication, Takaichi faces criticism for her work-life balance and gender-equality stance, especially after revealing she sleeps only zero to three hours a night due to her heavy workload and homemaking duties.
• Her support ratings have declined amid unpopular policies like revising the Imperial House Law to reinforce male-only succession and delays in economic measures addressing rising prices.
• Media reports suggest Takaichi has reduced interactions with lawmakers and officials, preferring to communicate via social media platform X rather than traditional media, and she remains undeterred by the residence’s haunted reputation.