In a divisive move, prominent Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi has publicly expressed her intention to discard the concept of Work-Life Balance (WLB) in Japan. This unexpected statement, the reasoning behind which has been a source of intense debate, has sparked nationwide discussions on the significance of WLB in contemporary Japanese society.

In Japan, work culture is traditionally prioritized over individual personal life – a trend Takaichi seems to propose reviving, causing a stir among those advocating for a balanced work-life approach. However, Takaichi's high-profile position puts significant weight behind her statement, which will inevitably affect public opinion and policy discussions on this matter.

This contrasts sharply with the increasing emphasis on WLB in western societies like the US and the EU, where measures are being taken at policy level to ensure a viable work-life balance for employees. They implement laws and regulations promoting flexible working hours, parental leaves, and other employee-friendly policies.