Sanae Takaichi, 64, has made history by becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, following a coalition agreement that secured her parliamentary majority. As a seasoned politician with nearly three decades of experience, Takaichi, often described as ultraconservative, has openly admired Margaret Thatcher and expressed a desire to emulate her ‘Iron Lady’ persona.
In her inaugural address after being elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Takaichi directly addressed the notion of work-life balance, stating, “I myself will throw out the term ‘work-life balance.’ I will work and work and work and work and work.” She further encouraged party lawmakers to adopt a similar “workhorse” mentality.
Takaichi acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, emphasizing the substantial workload and the urgent need for policy implementation. Her vision is to foster a more dynamic and hopeful LDP that can transform public anxieties into hope.
However, Takaichi’s remarks have drawn considerable criticism. The National Defence Council for Victims of Karoshi, an organization dedicated to addressing deaths caused by overwork, voiced concerns that her stance could perpetuate a toxic overwork culture in a country already grappling with this issue. Families affected by overwork-related suicides have also spoken out against her statements, calling for a more empathetic approach.