Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has come under fire after holding a 3 AM meeting with her aides — an incident that critics say glorifies the nation’s toxic overwork culture. As Japan continues to battle the crisis of “karoshi” (death from overwork), the late-night session has reignited nationwide debate over leadership ethics, worker rights, and the fine line between dedication and exhaustion.
Key Highlights:
- PM Sanae Takaichi held a surprise meeting at 3 AM to review budget documents.
- Critics say it reinforces Japan’s “death by overwork” culture.
- The Prime Minister defended her action, citing technical issues and urgency.
- Opposition leaders called the decision “crazy” and “insensitive.”
- The controversy comes as Japan debates easing its overtime work cap.
The 3 AM Shock: When Work Culture Becomes a Wake-Up Call
In a nation already infamous for its grueling work schedules, Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has stirred controversy with an unusual decision — convening a 3 AM meeting with her staff. The session, held ahead of a parliamentary budget discussion, reportedly lasted nearly three hours and involved several senior aides.
CCTV footage showing Takaichi leaving her Tokyo residence before dawn quickly went viral, igniting outrage across social media and sparking fierce political debate.
Criticism Over Japan’s ‘Karoshi’ Crisis
The backlash was swift and sharp. Opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda, a former prime minister himself, slammed Takaichi’s decision as “crazy,” emphasizing that “everyone is asleep at that time.” He accused the Prime Minister of setting a “sad example” for a country still grappling with karoshi — the term used for death caused by overwork.
Japan’s labor ministry has long struggled to address the epidemic of burnout and suicides linked to excessive working hours. The country’s overtime cap of 45 hours per month, introduced in 2019, was a direct response to public outcry after a young advertising employee took her own life following months of extreme work pressure.
Takaichi’s Defense: A Matter of Urgency
Facing criticism in Parliament, PM Takaichi defended her actions, saying a fax machine malfunction at her home delayed critical documents for the morning budget session. She acknowledged the inconvenience caused to her aides but insisted the early morning meeting was “necessary” to ensure the administration’s preparedness.
“I understand it was unusual,” she said. “But national responsibilities sometimes demand extraordinary measures.”
Her supporters within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) rallied behind her, arguing that top officials — much like soldiers or doctors — are often required to work at odd hours in the national interest.
A Divide Over Work Ethics
However, many see the incident as a troubling signal for Japan’s already strained workforce. “Three o’clock in the morning is too early, no matter the reason,” said Shigeaki Koga, a former economic official. “Leaders may never fully rest, but forcing such hours on subordinates is unacceptable.”
Critics fear that such acts, even if well-intentioned, normalize unhealthy work expectations. “The message it sends is dangerous — that working through exhaustion is patriotic,” noted one labor rights activist.
A Leader Under Pressure
Only three weeks into her term, Sanae Takaichi has maintained a punishing schedule — meeting foreign dignitaries, attending international summits, and managing domestic political affairs. She famously promised during her campaign that she would “work and work and work” for the nation — a statement that once inspired admiration but now fuels discomfort among advocates of work-life balance.
Takaichi’s tenure so far mirrors the dilemma facing modern Japan: how to balance economic competitiveness with human sustainability.
The Broader Debate: Can Japan Work Less and Achieve More?
The controversy arrives at a critical moment as Japan considers relaxing its overtime regulations to boost productivity and incomes. While business leaders argue that flexibility is vital for economic growth, labor unions warn that such reforms could undo years of progress toward healthier workplaces.
The 3 AM meeting has become more than just a scheduling mishap — it’s now a symbol of Japan’s struggle to redefine success beyond relentless work.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s 3 AM meeting has done more than spark outrage; it has reopened a national conversation about Japan’s relationship with work, leadership, and well-being. Whether her late-night dedication will be remembered as commitment or controversy remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Japan is wide awake to the cost of overwork.