Japan's first female PM Takaichi draws fire for saying makeup and chores add three hours to her working day

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ignited a fierce debate about gender equality after telling parliament that makeup, cooking breakfast and washing dishes before the working day begins add three or four hours to her schedule compared with her male predecessors. Critics argued the comments entrenched Japan's rigid traditional gender roles rather than challenging them. According to government figures, Japanese women devote close to five hours a day to household chores, while men average around 40 minutes.

Takaichi, Japan's first female leader, also revealed she sleeps as little as two hours a night, adding 'it's probably bad for my skin.'

Lawyer Fusako Miwa called the remarks 'unacceptable', saying using makeup as an excuse showed an outdated view on gender equality.

Takaichi admitted it is 'not easy' to find time to think about Japan's long-term future — while officials suggested cutting lengthy parliamentary sessions to free up her schedule.