Japan’s Leader Takaichi Reveals Why She Spends Long Hours in Seclusion at Her Official Residence

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been increasingly seen secluding herself at home. In a recent statement, Takaichi explained that she is using her official residence next to her office more for work to maximize efficiency.

Takaichi moved into the official residence, a brick-and-stone mansion that opened in 1929, in December. The residence was originally used as the original prime minister’s office until its replacement was built right next to it. According to Takaichi, living in the official residence, or ‘kotei,’ is beneficial because its proximity requires no commute and allows her to immediately get down to work in times of emergency.

Takaichi has reinforced office functions at the residence so that she can work and have meetings there remotely or in person with her staff whenever needed, even after office hours. She also takes home documents to read. ‘To me, the official residence is also a workplace,’ Takaichi said.

However, Takaichi’s work mantra and recent revelation of getting only zero to three hours of sleep at night due to her homemaking burden on top of her heavy workload as prime minister have triggered criticisms that Japan’s first female leader is setting a wrong example for a work-life balance and gender equality.

Takaichi’s support ratings have rapidly dropped as she pushed unpopular policies such as a revision to the Imperial House Law to reinforce a male-only succession system, while delaying economic measures to address rising prices. Media reports have said that Takaichi was avoiding parliamentary sessions and largely holed up at the residence at night and on weekends, saying that she’s having significantly less interactions and communication with other lawmakers and officials than her predecessors.

Takaichi frequently posts comments and policies on X instead of talking to the media. The official residence was the site of two bloody coup attempts in the 1930s, and legend has it that the building is haunted by ghosts. Takaichi apparently doesn’t mind spending long hours at the residence despite that.

When asked about the rumored ghost sightings, Takaichi replied, ‘I’ve never seen a ghost, but I have often screamed because of my encounters with cockroaches.’ She shared a shocking experience where a cockroach ran past her feet, leaving her ‘shocked.’ It’s clear that Takaichi is committed to her work, even if it means spending long hours in seclusion at her official residence.

Takaichi’s decision to use her official residence as a workplace has sparked debate about the balance between work and personal life, particularly for women in leadership positions. While some may view her actions as a necessary sacrifice for the sake of her duties, others may see it as a sign of a larger issue with work-life balance in Japan.

As the country’s first female leader, Takaichi’s actions and decisions have significant implications for women in Japan and around the world. Her commitment to her work and her willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of her duties are admirable, but they also raise important questions about the expectations placed on women in leadership positions and the impact on their personal lives.

In conclusion, Takaichi’s decision to use her official residence as a workplace is a complex issue that raises important questions about work-life balance and gender equality. While her commitment to her work is admirable, it also highlights the challenges faced by women in leadership positions and the need for greater support and understanding.