Japan's first female PM says makeup and housework add hours to her working day

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked debate over gender roles and work-life balance after saying household chores and personal grooming add three to four hours to her daily routine compared with male prime ministers.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Takaichi said she prepares breakfast, cleans up and applies makeup before starting her official duties.

“In the morning, I take a bath, prepare breakfast, clean up afterwards, and then do my makeup. When you add all that up, I feel I may be spending an extra three or four hours compared with a male prime minister,” she said.

Takaichi also explained that her staff had initially struggled to accommodate the time she needed to prepare for television appearances.