Takaichi’s punishing workload draws renewed scrutiny after 6½-hour checkup at hospital

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's demanding work schedule may be taking a toll on her health, following a 6½-hour medical checkup at a hospital in Tokyo. The intensive examination came just weeks after Takaichi revealed that she typically sleeps very little, sometimes as few as zero to three hours a day.

Upon entering the hospital on Monday, Takaichi spent several hours undergoing various health assessments, including an examination of her hands. Doctors found no significant issues, suggesting that the prime minister's condition remains stable. However, Takaichi's work style has been under scrutiny, with her recent checkup drawing renewed attention to her well-being.

Rheumatoid arthritis complicates Takaichi's health concerns, as she has previously sought medical attention for an injured hand during the Lower House election campaign. In February, she wore a protective brace after a doctor confirmed that two fingers were significantly bent but not broken. This incident highlighted the potential physical strain of her relentless work habits.

Takaichi's dedication to her job has led her to sleep far less than the recommended six hours per night, a pattern she admitted to in a July post on social media. While she expressed relief at managing a rare five-hour sleep period on a day off, her demanding routine includes long days spent reading policy documents and preparing for parliamentary questioning. Even during holidays, Takaichi remains active, attending events and updating her social media presence.

The Health Ministry recommends adequate sleep for adults, but Takaichi's habits fall well short of this standard. As Japan prepares for an extraordinary parliamentary session and potential personnel changes this autumn, Takaichi's demanding schedule may offer little respite, raising concerns about the sustainability of her work ethic.