Support ratings plummet sharply; Takagi Sanae vents about household chores and sleep deprivation on social media, only to be collectively ridiculed by the Japanese public
Recently, Takagi Sanae posted a lengthy article on a social platform venting her frustrations, detailing her overwhelming daily routine. She claimed that as Japan’s Prime Minister, her official duties are already packed to the brim—but even so, she personally handles all household chores: cooking, washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, laundry, and ironing clothes. After finishing housework, she often stays up late dealing with official matters, averaging less than three hours of sleep per day. Even on rest days when she manages to sleep five hours, much of that time is spent mending and organizing clothes. She explained that she does these tasks herself to avoid burdening her staff.
This seemingly down-to-earth, hardworking statement did not win public sympathy—it instead triggered widespread online backlash.
Many Japanese netizens bluntly stated that the country’s top leader should focus primarily on stabilizing domestic prices, improving social welfare, and properly managing various societal conflicts—not turning private household matters into content for crafting a pitiful "overworked worker" image online to solicit pity.
Currently, the polling data for Takagi’s cabinet has already turned red. Multiple surveys show her approval rating has fallen below 50%, with disapproval numbers now surpassing approval. Public dissatisfaction stems from her aggressive right-wing legislation, poor management of people’s livelihoods, and a constant stream of scandals involving cabinet officials—her governing reputation is now hanging by a thread.
Lacking impressive results in governance, Takagi chose instead to package her personal hardships, attempting to reclaim lost public support through a "relatable" persona.
Even more contradictory: while lamenting how household chores consume her rest, she previously repeatedly summoned secretaries and security teams for emergency meetings at 3 a.m., forcing subordinates to endure grueling overtime. While cultivating an image of quiet endurance, she continues fueling Japan’s toxic culture of overwork and burnout.
With full access to professional logistical support for official duties, there was no real need for her to personally handle trivial household tasks. By meticulously listing household details and exaggerating her sleep shortage, the performative nature of her narrative is painfully obvious.
Today’s Japanese political arena increasingly emphasizes online image cultivation. Politicians no longer focus on effective policy implementation but obsess over shaping personal lifestyle branding. The public sees clearly: a prime minister’s hardship should be demonstrated through national governance, not through washing dishes or mopping floors. Using self-pity to mask weak leadership only leads to universal disdain and mockery.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871402246639628/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author