TOKYO: Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan’s first-ever female Prime Minister, officially taking office on October 21 after succeeding Shigeru Ishiba to lead a minority government. In her maiden address to members of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the 64-year-old leader underscored her belief in relentless dedication and hard work—openly rejecting the modern concept of work-life balance.
“I will keep my promises. We can only rebuild Japan by uniting every generation and ensuring everyone contributes. Because there are so few of us, I ask everyone to work—work like a horse. I myself will abandon the idea of work-life balance. I’ll work, work, work, and work,” Takaichi said, as quoted by ANI.
Her statement reflected a strong return to Japan’s traditional work ethic, emphasizing discipline, perseverance, and national resilience as the path toward economic revival.
Takaichi’s stance comes amid growing national debate over Japan’s work culture, with many younger professionals and policymakers calling for improved work-life balance to address burnout, declining birth rates, and mental health issues. However, leaders like Takaichi view tireless commitment as essential to rebuilding Japan’s economy and global competitiveness.
Over recent months, discussions about how much work is “too much” have intensified across industries. While many advocate setting boundaries between professional and personal life, some high-achieving individuals—like Takaichi—reject the notion entirely. They argue that success demands sacrifice and that consistent hard work remains the ultimate driver of achievement.
The following section explores several such figures who share this philosophy—why they dismiss the idea of work-life balance, and the alternative approaches they follow to achieve success.
