Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Defends Residence-Based Work Routine

Since moving into the official residence—a brick-and-stone mansion built in 1929—in December, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has treated the “kotei” as an extension of the Prime Minister’s Office. She argues that the proximity eliminates a commute and lets her respond instantly to emergencies, allowing meetings to be held remotely or in person at any hour.

Associated Press

Takaichi assumed office in late 2025 and quickly became known for a round-the-clock schedule. In July she posted that she obtains only “zero to three” hours of sleep each night. A Nikkei report on August 21 noted that she spends more than half of her Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at the residence. Bloomberg News analysis through July found she met finance-ministry officials 50 percent less often than the two previous premiers and held the fewest Cabinet office meetings of any leader in the past 14 years.

The Straits Times

On August 22 Takaichi wrote on X that work conducted at the official residence “is also a workplace,” emphasizing that the arrangement reduces the need for personal security officers (SP officers) and lessens their burden. She added that she avoids leaving the residence on holidays, early mornings and late nights unless absolutely necessary, precisely to limit the deployment of SP officers.

The Straits Times

Opposition lawmakers and media commentators have criticized the habit as a poor example of work-life balance and gender-equality, noting her reported “zero to three” hours of sleep. Polls show her support ratings have fallen since she pushed a male-only Imperial succession revision and delayed price-relief measures. Analysts also point to her reduced face-to-face interaction with other lawmakers and the media, suggesting the style isolates the premier from traditional consensus-building practices.

The Straits Times

• “Work conducted at the official residence, such as meetings held there, are not reported as part of the prime minister’s daily schedule, but from my perspective it’s also a workplace,” — Sanae Takaichi, japanese prime minister

The Straits Times