Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has drawn attention and sparked debate after suggesting that she works longer hours than her male predecessors due in part to her domestic responsibilities and the time she spends on makeup. Speaking recently, the 65-year-old leader described her morning routine, which includes bathing, preparing breakfast, doing dishes, and applying makeup, activities she estimated add three to four hours more to her workday compared to former prime ministers.

Takaichi also noted that her aides initially struggled to understand why she required extra time to prepare for public appearances, implying that the demands of maintaining a certain appearance are an additional layer of responsibility unique to her role as a woman. Her remarks have reignited discussions about gender roles and workplace expectations in Japan, a country where traditional divisions of labor persist and long working hours are prevalent, particularly among men.

While Takaichi does not have biological children, she has adopted her husband’s three children from a previous marriage. Her comments have prompted mixed reactions, with some observers arguing that working women in Japan often bear a disproportionate burden of both professional and domestic duties. Social media responses highlighted a divergence of opinion: some expressed understanding that if she fulfills her official responsibilities, taking extra time should not be an issue, whereas others found her framing of makeup time as a point of vulnerability or apology unacceptable.

The debate reflects broader ongoing challenges in Japan regarding gender equality in the workplace and the distribution of domestic work, where women typically maintain primary responsibility for household and childcare duties even while pursuing careers. Takaichi’s statements have thus brought renewed focus to the intersection of cultural expectations and the demands placed on women in leadership roles.