Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated last week that she utilizes the official residence next to the Prime Minister's Office to save commute time and immediately address urgent matters. Her rationale aims to maximize work efficiency and ensure prompt responses to any situation.

Takaichi stated she has enhanced work facilities at the Prime Minister's Official Residence to work and hold meetings, both online and in person, with staff at any time, including outside of office hours. She often brings documents from the Prime Minister's Office to the official residence for further review. "For me, the Kotei is also a workplace", she said, adding that establishing a work environment at both the office and residence allows her to make necessary decisions and respond promptly, whether early morning, late at night, or on holidays.

According to Takaichi, spending extensive time at the residence also aims to "reduce the burden on staff at the Prime Minister's Office", as it requires fewer personnel for security and other duties. This approach streamlines operations and optimizes resource allocation.

Takaichi's statements came after media reports suggested she was "spending all day in self-isolation at the residence". The Japanese Prime Minister asserted she still "completes necessary duties". She added that she has never seen ghosts during her time living at the residence, but has encountered cockroaches, despite doing her own housework. She has recently faced criticism for her high-intensity work style, which is perceived as setting a poor example for work-life balance.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at the residence in Tokyo on 13/8. Photo: AP

The Prime Minister's Official Residence (Sori Kotei) is a stone and brick building situated adjacent to the Prime Minister's Office in central Tokyo since 1929. This is where Japanese Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai was shot dead by 11 naval officers during a 1932 military coup, leading to rumors that the house is "haunted".

Exterior of the Japanese Prime Minister's residence in Tokyo. Photo: Wikipedia.

Since taking office in 10/2025, Japan's first female Prime Minister has kept her campaign promise to "work relentlessly". Takaichi has repeatedly shared that sleeping fewer than three hours or even not sleeping has become normal for her, underscoring her commitment to the role.

Ngoc Anh (According to AP, Kyodo News)