Japan PM's pledge to work, work, work, work, and work' wins catchphrase of year

"I will have everyone work like a horse, she said, adding that she would abandon the concept of a work-life balance in her own life. Her remarks did not go down well in a country notorious for its long working hours, while lawyers representing people who have died from karoshi death from overwork described them as unhelpful. Some have expressed concern for Takaichi's health after she told parliament that she slept between two and four hours a night,"

"It is not, perhaps, a word many people in Japan will want to hear as they prepare for the bonenkai office party season and some well-earned time off over the new year. But the promise made by Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, that she would work, work, work, work, and work on behalf of her country has clearly struck a chord. Her vow, made just before she took office in October, has been chosen as Japan's catchphrase of the year."

Sanae Takaichi's vow to work became Japan's catchphrase. She told MPs 'I will have everyone work like a horse' and said she would abandon her work-life balance. The remarks provoked criticism in a country known for long working hours, and lawyers for karoshi victims called them unhelpful. Concerns arose about her health after she said she slept two to four hours and summoned officials to a 3am meeting. Accepting it she said her comments were misinterpreted and did not intend to encourage overwork. The shortlist included phrases about first female prime minister, Trump's tariffs, bear damage and rice.

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