Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi explains working from official residence
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that she tries to stay at the official residence when she has no official duties outside it. According to her, this allows her to work longer and avoids placing an excessive burden on staff.
The residence as a workplace
In a post on X, Takaichi noted that meetings and other work at the official residence are not reflected in the prime minister’s daily schedule, but she considers the building to be a workplace as well. As The Japan Times reports, the prime minister said she had created working conditions there that are practically no different from those at the head of government’s office.
Since Takaichi became prime minister late last year, she has become known for her around-the-clock work style and habit of reviewing documents herself at the residence. In July, she wrote on X that she sleeps from zero to three hours a day. Nikkei reported that since taking office, Takaichi has spent more than half of her time at the residence on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
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Security and criticism
Takaichi explained that on weekends, as well as early in the morning and late in the evening on weekdays, she tries not to leave the official residence unless absolutely necessary. According to her, every trip requires an escort of a significant number of personal security officers, who are called SP in Japan.
A Bloomberg analysis of her official schedule through July showed that Takaichi met with Finance Ministry officials 50% less often than the two previous heads of government. She also communicates with the media less frequently, preferring regular posts on X. Her work style and tendency to remain at the residence have been criticized by some opposition lawmakers and media commentators.
Takaichi moved into the official residence in December. The brick building was constructed in 1929. In a separate post, she said she had not seen the ghosts that her predecessors had joked about, but was surprised by the appearance of cockroaches. According to her, they stopped appearing after insect repellent was applied around the building.
