Japan PM Takaichi defends skipping G7 online meeting

In late August, Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi faced criticism for skipping a G7 online meeting focusing on diesel prices. She defended her absence by stating it was a last-minute arrangement where substitutes were allowed, pointing out that the UK’s Prime Minister Burnham and European Council President Costa also did not attend in person. Local media reported Takaichi remained at her official residence during the meeting without any engagements. According to Nikkei, since becoming prime minister, Takaichi has stayed largely within her residence on most weekends and public holidays, unlike previous leaders who spent between 3% and 16% of such times entirely at home. This highlights her preference for working alone from home rather than engaging in social or diplomatic activities outside her office.