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Japan gov't spokesman defends sleepless PM Takaichi

World

Japan gov't spokesman defends sleepless PM Takaichi

By JIJI PRESS

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

TOKYO (Jiji Press)--Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara on Wednesday defended Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after the leader's social media post about being unable to get enough sleep drew criticism for running counter to workstyle reform efforts.

Kihara avoided commenting directly on the post, saying, "It was a post from a personal account." But he added, "I believe the prime minister will continue to make choices and do her best in her duties."

"This is for the good of the nation and the people," he went on. "I will continue to do everything I can to support her."

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara speaks at a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara speaks at a press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Takaichi posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday night, "Getting zero to three hours of sleep a day has become my norm since I took office (last October)."

In the post about how she spent the three-day weekend through Monday, the prime minister said she was busy reading government documents and "handling thousands of emails" on Saturday and Sunday.

"I was able to sleep for five hours for the first time in a while (on Monday)," she said. "In the afternoon, I ironed a lot of handkerchiefs and undershirts that I had left after washing them, and did some sewing."

In response, Yuichiro Tamaki, head of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, said at a press conference Tuesday that Takaichi "should use her precious time for the jobs that only the prime minister can do."

"The prime minister does not deny (the importance) of work-life balance," Kihara said at Wednesday's press conference, seeking understanding.

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