'Abe, Japanese Prime Minister with "Health Rumors," Appears in Public After 49 Days'

Press Conference Ends in 16 Minutes, Sparking Only Speculation

▲ Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who had not appeared in public for a long time amid numerous speculations about his health, held an official press conference for the first time in 49 days but abruptly ended it after about 16 minutes, sparking controversy.

According to local Japanese media on the 6th, Prime Minister Abe visited Hiroshima City to attend the 75th anniversary memorial event of the Hiroshima atomic bombing and participated in a press conference held locally. This was Abe's first public appearance since June 18, the day after the regular Diet session closed.

During the press conference, questions were raised about measures against the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the possession of enemy base strike capabilities.

However, the moderator imposed strict rules even before the conference started, limiting each reporter to two questions and counting additional questions from the same reporter as part of the two-question limit.

Despite journalists' complaints about the short duration of the conference, Abe said he would hold another press conference when the opportunity arises and hurriedly left the venue.

There were also criticisms that Abe's answers were nothing new. His responses seemed pre-prepared and unrelated to the core of the questions, which drew further scrutiny.

Regarding the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's proposal submitted on the 4th about possessing enemy base strike capabilities following the cancellation of the ballistic missile interception defense system 'Aegis Ashore,' Abe responded, "Based on the idea of enhancing deterrence and firmly protecting the people, we will present a new direction and implement it swiftly."

This was the same answer he gave to reporters waiting in the Prime Minister's Office lobby on the 4th.

On COVID-19, he gave a general response, saying, "It is not a situation to immediately declare a state of emergency," and "We will provide maximum support according to the actual conditions at medical sites."

Regarding the 'Go To Travel' policy encouraging domestic travel, he said, "We want to establish a new travel style that is safe and reassuring while implementing infection prevention measures."

On visiting hometowns during the early to mid-August holidays, he only urged, "I want to ask people to thoroughly follow basic infection prevention measures," and "It would be good to be careful not to lead to infections among the elderly."

Regarding the usual cabinet reshuffle or personnel changes in the Liberal Democratic Party around September, he replied, "The government is fully engaged in responding to COVID-19, and personnel matters will be discussed later."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.