Japan's PM says gender roles add hours to her workday

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 16:44 · Archive

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she works three or four more hours than male predecessors because of housework and makeup requirements.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country's first female leader, told parliament on Wednesday that she works three or four more hours daily than her male predecessors. She attributed this to requirements she faces as a woman, including taking a bath, preparing breakfast, doing dishes and applying makeup before her working day begins.

Takaichi said it took time for her aides to learn that she needed additional preparation time before going on camera. She also disclosed that she sleeps only two to four hours nightly, suggesting the schedule affects her health. Officials have proposed reducing parliamentary meeting lengths to give her free time.

Her remarks sparked debate about gender roles in Japan. Critics on social media noted that many working women in the country who raise children or care for elderly parents face even heavier demands, and suggested her comments reflected outdated views on gender equality rather than a genuine problem. Government figures show women spend nearly five hours daily on housework compared to about 40 minutes for men, reflecting Japan's traditionally rigid gender roles and the expectation of long working hours for men.

How it is being reported

• Japan's Prime Minister claims she works more hours than men due to housework and applying make-upJapan's Prime Minister has claimed she works more hours than men because of having to do housework and apply make-up. Sanae Takaichi, who is Japan’s first female leader, said she works "three or four more hours than male prime ministers", due to gender roles. During an address to parliament, she alluded to the idea that she feels required to clean dishes and apply make-up before starting her working day. Ms Takaichi's aides - having only served under male prime ministers previously - had to learn that she needed more time to prepare for TV broadcasts. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Japan…GB News · 16 Oct, 16:26
• Japan's Takaichi says chores and makeup add hours to her workday, sparking debate on gender rolesBeing a prime minister is tough, with daily schedule packed with meetings and hourslong parliamentary sessionsIndependent World · 15 Oct, 17:47

In this story: Sanae Takaichi · Japan

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