Sanae Takaichi said she has a busier schedule than her male predecessors, a nod to the disproportionate share of household tasks in Japan that fall to women.
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, stood at a lectern in parliament this week fielding questions about the budget, Russia, an emerging political scandal and nuclear deescalation. Then came an inquiry about her schedule. Takaichi, the first woman in Japan’s history to serve as prime minister, seized the moment to make a point.
She said her daily agenda was far busier than her male predecessors because she spends at least three hours on makeup, bathing, cooking and other chores.
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Japan's Takaichi says chores and makeup add hours to her workday, sparking debate on gender roles
abcnews.com
15.10.2026
Japan's first female PM says makeup and housework add hours to her working day
euronews.com
16.10.2026
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