Two hours a night: Japan PM’s sleep schedule prompts concerns about work-life balance

Takaichi caused a stir last week after she summoned aides to her office for a 3am meeting to prepare for a budget committee hearing

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has said she gets by on just two to four hours sleep a night - prompting concern over her commitment to a better work-life balance among the country's fatigued employees.

Pointing to the bags beneath her eyes, Takaichi told MPs that she survives on minimal sleep - a habit she shares with her political hero Margaret Thatcher - after being asked how she would tackle Japan's notoriously long working hours.