Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing backlash after she claimed that she spends three to four more hours a day on household chores and makeup compared to her male predecessors, while addressing criticism over her low attendance in the National Diet.
The Independent reported on October 15, citing Takaichi's remarks in a recent session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee. Takaichi, who has been criticized by opposition parties for her limited attendance, stated, "In the morning, I have to take a bath, prepare meals, do the dishes, and, of course, spend time on makeup. I think I spend three to four more hours a day on these tasks compared to past male prime ministers." She expressed the time burden of balancing daily life with her responsibilities as prime minister.
Her comments came as the ruling coalition, consisting of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, is pushing to reduce the prime minister's parliamentary attendance in the name of improving government efficiency.
Fumitake Fujita, a member of the Japan Innovation Party, recently pointed out that during a specific period, the German chancellor attended parliament for 13 days, the British prime minister for 50 days, while the Japanese prime minister attended for about 72 days. He argued, "It is not in line with international standards and is inefficient for a national leader to be tied up in parliament for long periods."
However, Takaichi's remarks have drawn criticism for highlighting the differences in household responsibilities and appearance management between genders. Some view her comments as a candid reflection of the reality of household labor still shouldered by women in Japanese society, while others argue that she failed to adequately separate her public responsibilities as a national leader from her personal life.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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