‘Work, work, work and work’ pledge wins ‘catchphrase of the year’ for Japan’s PM Takaichi | World News
Japan’s new Prime Miner Sanae Takaichi speaks during a press conference at the prime miner’s office in Tokyo. (AP)
Japanese Prime Miner Sanae Takaichi has won the country’s annual “catchphrase of the year” award for her repeated promise to “work, work, work, work, and work” for the country, The Guardian reported.
Takaichi made the remark shortly before taking office in October. The phrase was selected from more than two dozen entries. Her comments had drawn attention when she urged members of her Liberal Democratic Party to follow her example and said, “I will have everyone work like a horse”, adding that she would give up the idea of a work–life balance in her own life.
Her words came at a time when Japan continues to debate long working hours. Lawyers representing families of people who died from karoshi death linked to overwork, told The Guardian the remarks were not helpful.
There were also questions about Takaichi’s own routine after she told parliament she sleeps between two and four hours a night. Local media reported that she had called officials to a meeting at 3am at her residence.
Accepting the award, Takaichi said her comments had been misunderstood. She said, “I had no intention of encouraging people to overwork or suggesting that working long hours is a virtue.” She added that she wanted to show her determination to carry out her duties.Story continues below this ad
Organisers of the award said the shortl reflected public discussion in Japan this year. The Guardian said “first female prime miner” came second on the l, followed phrases linked to trade tensions, wildlife incidents and the release of older stockpiled rice to control rising prices. The shortl is drawn from a l compiled the publisher of Japan’s Yearbook of Contemporary Society.
Takaichi is the fourth politician to receive the award. The last was Yukio Hatoyama in 2009 for the phrase “change of government”.
Her choice of words was also noted this week at an economic forum in Saudi Arabia. Takaichi quoted a line from the manga Attack on Titan, telling the audience, “Just shut your mouths. And invest everything in me!!” She said she used the line because Japanese manga and anime are well known in the region.
Takaichi spoke at the FII Priority Asia 2025 conference, part of a wider investment event often described as a regional version of Davos. She faces pressure to bring in investment as Japan’s economy, the world’s fourth largest, contracted in the third quarter.
