Japan ranks low in gender equality among developed nations. The first woman to lead the country is an ultraconservative who cites Margaret Thatcher as a role model. She also loves heavy metal.

Far more Japanese companies are optimistic about business conditions under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi than pessimistic, with the vast majority aiming for next year's pay hikes to at least match this year's,

Kazuyu Shimba, secretary general of the Democratic Party for the People, criticised her for disregarding her staff’s well-being. “If the prime minister starts at 3 a.m., staff must start from 1.30 a.m. or 2 a.m.,” he said, as quoted by the Chosun Daily. “People cannot endure that physically.”

The Japanese prime minister’s comments about military intervention were unusually direct for such a sensitive topic.

Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, made headlines by holding a 3 a.m. meeting with MPs, sparking debate over overwork and work-life balance in Japan. Known for her “work like a horse” philosophy,

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has triggered a national debate after calling a 3 am meeting with her staff, a move critics say reinforces the country’s harsh overwork culture.

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered her first policy speech to the parliament Friday, focusing on economic security and defense spending.

Anti-nuclear groups in Japan say Tokyo is morally bound to oppose nuclear weapons after the WWII bombings. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.