PM Takaichi: “I met with President Macron of Franceat the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace. We will further strengthen our cooperation with France, our ‘Exceptional Partner’ that shares our values and principles and holds the G7 presidency this year, across a wide range of areas including security, defense, economic security, science and technology, and culture, and work together to address the various challenges facing the international community.”
Happy heavenly birthday to the ‘Forces’ Sweetheart’ Dame Vera Lynn, whose recordings of ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ helped raise morale in World War Two.
In memory of Jürgen Habermas, we’re sharing an essay that draws on his theory of deliberative democracy to rethink climate change. It argues that climate change is not …… 查看更多
Based on recent reports from late 2025, Japan's Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi has faced significant controversy for her extreme working habits, including convening staff meetings at 3:00 a.m..
Key details of the situation as of November 2025:
The 3 a.m. Meeting: Takaichi summoned aides for a meeting at 3:00 a.m. to prepare for a parliamentary appearance scheduled for 9:00 a.m. (a 3-hour session).
Sleep Schedule: Takaichi stated she only sleeps between two and four hours a night.
"Work-Life Balance" Stance: She has publicly declared she is setting aside the concept of "work-life balance" for herself, telling staff to "work like a horse".
Controversy: Her actions have faced criticism for promoting toxic overwork culture ("karoshi") and creating undue pressure on staff, especially as she supports raising limits on overtime hours.
Reasoning: She stated she had to work late because of a broken fax machine at home and an packed schedule, including meetings on future-oriented economic policy.
Critics, including lawyers representing victims of overwork, have urged her to retract her "work like a horse" comment, arguing that this style of leadership is unsustainable and dangerous.
‘If you look at how many followers Prime Minister Takaichi has on the X platform, 2.6 million … the leader of the main opposition party, he has 60,000 followers.’ Reuters World News podcast on the ‘sanamania’ gripping Japan’s youth ahead of the election https://reut.rs/4ko51Ag
At first glance, Sanae Takaichi appears calm and composed, but behind that image is a life shaped by unexpected passions and experiences.
Born in Nara Prefecture in 1961, she grew up in a disciplined, working-class family, which helped build her independence early on. While studying business at Kobe University, she broke the mold—playing drums in a band, riding motorcycles, and developing a bold, confident personality.
Before entering public life, she worked in the United States at a congressional office and later became a television host in Japan, gaining global perspective and strong communication skills. Her personal life has seen change as well, including a marriage, divorce, and remarriage, reflecting resilience and growth.
Outside her career, she enjoys music, scuba diving, martial arts, and passionately supports the Hanshin Tigers. More than titles or positions, Takaichi’s story stands out for its mix of strength, individuality, and humanity—making her both relatable and distinctive.
Why Japan’s Leader Won’t Enter the Male-Dominated Sumo Ring
Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, skipped a sumo awards ceremony, reflecting her cautious approach to gender issues.
The Ukrainian Danylo Yavhusishyn, also known by his Japanese ring name, Aonishiki Arata, receiving his trophy at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on Sunday.Credit...Jiji Press/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Takaichi Sanae hopes her popularity will translate to a thumping mandate in the snap lower-house election she has called for early February. But just how devoted are her acolytes? https://econ.st/4am8dJ8
Takaichi Sanae’s appeal comes more from what she represents than from what she has done during her tenure. Somewhat paradoxically for a social conservative who croons about Japanese traditions, she represents change
Her confirmation marks a big step forward for gender equality in one of the world’s most patriarchal democracies. Yet she promises to shift Japan’s politics to the right
Takaichi came out top in a male-dominated race, putting her on course to emulate her hero, former British leader Margaret Thatcher.
日本迎來首位女首相
強硬派保守派高市早苗被日本執政黨選舉為黨魁,為她成為聯合政府首相鋪平了道路。
一位身穿藍色外套的女士在巨型螢幕前對著麥克風發表演說。
高市早苗在周六於東京舉行的自民黨黨魁選舉上發表演說。圖片來源:Kim Kyung-Hoon 拍攝
Japan Set for First Female Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi, a hard-line conservative, was elected as leader by Japan’s governing party, paving the way for her to become prime minister of the coalition government.
Sanae Takaichi speaking at the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election that was held Saturday in Tokyo. Credit...Pool photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon