Abroad in Japan Japan’s Sleep-Deprived Leader Works on 2 Hours Sleep!
Nov 20, 2025
Chris and Pete dive into the quirky world of Japan, starting with tales of parenting and nostalgic TV shows. They explore creative studio setups and the unique vibe of Osaka, sparking debates about its culture and skate scene. The shocking news of Japan's Prime Minister's extreme sleep schedule leads to discussions on overwork culture and health risks. Personal anecdotes on their own sleep habits reveal the challenges of productivity. The duo wraps up by answering listener travel questions, adding a dash of humor to their insightful journey.
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Osaka's More Expressive Street Culture
- Amanda from Singapore reports Osaka feels louder, more expressive, and shows more visible tattoos and dyed hair.
- Chris and Pete both note Osaka's distinctive, more extroverted culture compared to Tokyo.
Extremely Short Sleep As A Leadership Signal
- Japan's new prime minister publicly says she sleeps only two to four hours, highlighting a leadership culture that prizes extreme work hours.
- Pete and Chris worry this normalizes harmful overwork and risks decision-making capacity.
Japan's Sleep Shortfall Is Structural
- Average weekday sleep in Japan is already below the international mean, making extreme cases especially concerning.
- Pete links this to broader cultural problems like karoshi and overwork norms.