Japan's first female PM says makeup and chores leave her working three hours more each day than male predecessors

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, told parliament she spends three to four extra hours daily on tasks her male predecessors never faced — bathing, cooking, washing dishes, and applying makeup before camera appearances. Her aides, having only ever served male prime ministers, had to learn she needed extra preparation time before broadcasts. The remarks ignited fierce debate in a country where women spend nearly five hours daily on household chores compared to roughly 40 minutes for the average man. Critics accused Takaichi of entrenching outdated gender roles rather than challenging them.

Takaichi also revealed she sleeps as little as two hours a night, adding: 'It's probably bad for my skin.'

Social media critics argued her comments reflected poor time management and a backwards view on gender equality, noting working mothers face even heavier burdens.

Takaichi previously sparked backlash by calling aides into the office for a 3am meeting, and has openly declared she is abandoning any work-life balance.