(Adnkronos) – Only two hours a night. This is what Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to head the Tokyo government, the first woman to lead Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, claims to sleep. She had already sparked controversy in recent days for a work meeting with collaborators scheduled around 3 AM. “I sleep about two hours, four at most. I have the impression it’s not good for my skin,” she said before a legislative committee, called to respond on the importance of reducing the length of the working day in Japan, the country of the ‘karoshi’ nightmare, or death from overwork.
Takaichi was also asked to illustrate the discussions held by the executive on the possibility of extending the maximum number of overtime hours, a ‘path’ presented as a strategy to foster growth. For the premier, workers and employers simply have different needs, and any change, she assured, will ensure the health of workers.
“It would be ideal if we could create conditions where people can find a balance, according to their own expectations, between childcare and family responsibilities, while also being able to work and enjoy their free time,” said 64-year-old Takaichi, a staunch conservative who wants to be Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’. “I will work, work, and work,” she had assured after triumphing in October in the race for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party.
