It is not, perhaps, a word many people in Japan will want to hear as they prepare for the bonenkai office party season and some well-earned time off over the new year.

But the promise made by Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi , that she would “work, work, work, work, and work” on behalf of her country has clearly struck a chord.

Her vow, made just before she took office in October, has been chosen as Japan’s catchphrase of the year, beating more than two dozen other candidates. Two hours a night: Japan PM’s sleep schedule prompts concerns about work-life balance Read more

Takaichi drew criticism after she implored her fellow Liberal Democratic party (LDP) MPs to follow her lead. “I will have everyone work like a horse,” she said, adding that she would abandon the co

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