Japan’s first woman prime minister dismisses work-life balance: ‘I will work, work, work’

A former minister for economic security and internal affairs, Takaichi has been a prominent figure in Japanese politics for nearly 30 years. Often described as ultraconservative, she is a long-time admirer of Britain’s former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, whom she calls her “political hero,” and has openly expressed her desire to “become the Iron Lady.”

(Also read: Sanae Takaichi elected as Japan’s first female prime minister after winning historic vote)

No work-life balance for Japanese PM

In her first speech after elected leader of the LDP, Takaichi dismissed the concept of work-life balance, urging party members to embrace hard work instead.

“I myself will throw out the term ‘work-life balance,’” Takaichi said. “I will work and work and work and work and work.”

She also called on party lawmakers to “work like workhorses” – a statement that drew sharp criticism online.

“At this moment, rather than feeling happy, I feel the hardship that is to come. There is an overwhelming amount of work that we must do together. That is what I believe. There are many policies that need to be quickly implemented. Together, we will make the LDP a more spirited, positive, and energetic party. Efforts are also required to make LDP a party that can turn people’s anxieties into hope,” PM Takaichi said.

Criticism over work-life remarks

Japan’s National Defence Council for Victims of Karoshi — a group addressing deaths caused by overwork — said her stance risked reviving a toxic overwork culture in a country already struggling with the issue. Families of victims of overwork-related suicides also condemned her remarks, calling for reflection and apology.