Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Emphasizes Efficiency by Working from Official Residence

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has opted to utilize her official residence more frequently for work-related activities, aiming to enhance efficiency. This decision has led to speculations that she is withdrawing from public life. The residence, situated adjacent to her office, has become central to her routines.

In December, Takaichi transitioned into the residence, a historic brick-and-stone mansion originally serving as the prime minister’s office before its relocation. Takaichi shared on social media platform X that residing in the official residence, referred to as ‘kotei,’ eliminates commuting time, allowing her to commence work swiftly during emergencies.

Takaichi has bolstered the residence’s capabilities to facilitate remote or in-person meetings with staff, extending work hours beyond the usual office timeframe. She also takes documents home for review, emphasizing, ‘To me, the official residence is also a workplace.’

However, Takaichi’s revelation on X about her insufficient sleep, ranging from zero to three hours due to household management and her demanding role, has sparked criticism. As Japan’s first female prime minister, she faces scrutiny over her work-life balance and gender-equality approaches.

Takaichi’s approval ratings have declined swiftly following her pursuit of unpopular measures. These include proposed revisions to the Imperial House Law advocating for a male-only succession method, alongside delays in economic initiatives amidst rising prices.

Media reports indicate Takaichi’s avoidance of parliamentary sessions, with increased residence time during nights and weekends, resulting in limited interactions with fellow lawmakers compared to predecessors. She often shares her views and policies on X instead of engaging with traditional media.

The residence has a history marked by two violent coup attempts in the 1930s, and legends suggest it’s haunted. Despite this, Takaichi appears undeterred by long hours spent there. ‘I’ve never seen a ghost, but I have often screamed because of my encounters with cockroaches,’ she recounted, recalling her surprise when a cockroach darted past her feet.