Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has fully adopted remote preparation to enhance her efficiency ahead of consecutive Diet sessions. This remote preparation allows her to review documents independently at her Akasaka residence while contacting aides when necessary.
The change follows criticism over early-morning meetings at the official residence in Nagatacho, Tokyo, where staff gathered at 3 a.m. Remote preparation now eliminates such pre-dawn gatherings, streamlining the workflow for the prime minister.
According to a senior government official, Takaichi arrives at the Prime Minister’s Office around 7:50 a.m., prepared for the House of Councillors Budget Committee session. Remote preparation ensures she starts the day well-informed and ready for deliberations.
Previously, she used a fax machine at her Akasaka residence to communicate with aides while revising responses for Diet questions. The older device jammed after about ten pages, forcing her to travel to the official residence before dawn.
Following complaints during the House of Representatives Budget Committee on November 7, authorities installed a high-performance fax machine. This device now supports Takaichi’s remote preparation by allowing large documents to be sent without delay.
Experts say remote preparation for senior officials reduces unnecessary travel and improves focus on legislative content. By concentrating on document review at home, Takaichi minimizes fatigue while maintaining productivity.
The aides continue to provide input via phone, complementing the remote preparation process and ensuring responses remain accurate and timely. This coordinated approach allows for more effective legislative performance.
Officials are considering extending the remote preparation method to other ministers facing demanding schedules. If successful, it could become a standard practice in Japan’s parliamentary workflow.
Overall, Takaichi’s remote preparation demonstrates how technology and adaptive work methods can improve administrative efficiency and streamline parliamentary operations.
