Japan’s PM is barely sleeping and rarely leaving her office in the name of ‘efficiency.’ Her approval rating disagrees

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been working exclusively in her official residence next to her office for maximum efficiency, according to her. She moved into the historic mansion in December, which was once the original prime minister's office. Takaichi stated that living in the residence is advantageous as it eliminates commuting and allows her to immediately commence work during emergencies.

She has also enhanced office functions at the residence to enable remote and in-person meetings with her staff. However, her work schedule has led to her getting only zero to three hours of sleep each night, sparking criticism about her work-life balance and gender equality example. Takaichi's approval ratings have plummeted due to her unpopular policies like the male-only succession law and delayed economic measures.

She has reportedly minimized interactions with lawmakers and officials, communicating mainly through her social media account X. The official residence has a dark history, having been the site of two coup attempts in the 1930s and rumored ghosts. Despite the legends, Takaichi has not expressed fear, but has shared her encounters with cockroaches in the residence.