Japan's leader Takaichi explains why she spends long hours in seclusion at her official residence

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has explained her decision to spend extended periods in seclusion at her official residence, stating that it allows her to work more efficiently. In a post on X, Takaichi described the residence, located adjacent to her office, as ideal for maximizing productivity due to its proximity, which eliminates the need for commuting. This arrangement enables her to respond swiftly to emergencies and conduct both remote and in-person meetings with her staff beyond regular working hours. She also mentioned taking home documents to review, emphasizing the residence's dual role as both a residence and a workplace. The official residence, a brick-and-stone mansion dating back to 1929, originally served as the prime minister’s office before being replaced by a newer structure nearby. Takaichi moved into the residence in December, marking a shift in her routine. Her decision has drawn attention amid growing concerns over her work habits. Reports indicate that Takaichi has been increasingly avoiding parliamentary sessions and limiting interactions with lawmakers and officials, particularly during evenings and weekends. Instead, she has turned to social media platforms like X to communicate her policies and statements, bypassing traditional media channels. Takaichi's schedule has also raised questions about her personal life. She recently revealed on X that she typically gets between zero and three hours of sleep per night, citing the demands of her role as Japan's first female leader and the additional responsibilities of managing household duties. These disclosures have sparked criticism regarding her approach to work-life balance and gender equality, with some arguing that her behavior sets a poor precedent for women in leadership positions. Her political challenges have intensified alongside these personal revelations. Takaichi has faced declining public approval as she has pursued controversial policies, including a proposed amendment to the Imperial House Law that would reinforce a male-only succession system. Additionally, she has delayed economic reforms aimed at addressing inflation, further contributing to public dissatisfaction. Critics argue that her isolation and reduced engagement with parliament have weakened her ability to effectively lead and connect with the broader population. The official residence itself carries historical weight, having been the scene of two failed coup attempts in the 1930s. Local legends suggest the building is haunted by spirits, though Takaichi has dismissed such claims. In a candid remark, she admitted to being startled by the presence of cockroaches rather than supernatural entities. “I’ve never seen a ghost, but I have often screamed because of my encounters with cockroaches,” she said, describing one unsettling moment when a roach scurried past her feet. Despite the eerie reputation of the residence, Takaichi appears undeterred by its history. Her continued presence there underscores her commitment to maintaining a streamlined workflow and prioritizing administrative tasks over public appearances. As her tenure progresses, the extent to which her seclusion affects her political standing and public perception will likely remain a subject of scrutiny. For now, her focus remains on the practical benefits of residing close to her office, even as the implications of her lifestyle choices continue to unfold.