Japan’s intense work culture — often debated and frequently criticised — is back under global scrutiny after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi admitted she sleeps just two to four hours a night. Her revelation, coming days after she called a 3 a.m. staff meeting to prepare for a parliamentary session, has triggered fresh concerns about the country’s long-standing struggle with overwork.

Appearing before a legislative committee, Takaichi said: “I sleep about two hours now, four hours at the longest. I feel it’s bad for my skin.”

Her comments immediately set off criticism from opposition lawmakers and workers’ unions, who argued that Japan’s leader should be setting an example in promoting healthier work-life boundaries — not reinforcing extreme work habits.

Japan’s overwork crisis is well do

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