Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday revealed that she sleeps only two to four hours each night, a disclosure that has reignited debate over Japan’s demanding work culture. The revelation comes amid growing criticism of her stance on overwork, as she has previously encouraged long working hours to boost productivity.

The comments follow a controversial 3 am staff meeting held last week at her office to prepare for a parliamentary session.

Addressing a legislative committee, Takaichi said, “I sleep about two hours now, four hours at the longest. I feel it’s bad for my skin," when asked about the government’s efforts to reduce Japan’s notoriously long working hours.

Japan has long struggled with work-life balance, and the phenomenon of death from overwork, known locally as “

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