Abe, Japan's Longest-Serving Prime Minister, Faces 'Health Concerns'... Cuts Working Hours in Half

Postponement of Various Event Attendances... Health Rumors Gain More Credibility

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is reported to have recently cut his working hours in half. It appears to be due to health issues.

According to Kyodo News on the 21st, Prime Minister Abe arrived at the Prime Minister's Official Residence around 1:20 PM. After attending a COVID-19 response meeting and working for about four and a half hours, he returned to his private residence. This marks the third consecutive day that Abe has worked only half a day. Kyodo News reported that Abe is adjusting his schedule by reducing meetings planned for next week and will refrain from evening social gatherings for the time being.

Abe will become the longest-serving prime minister in history on the 24th, surpassing former Prime Minister Eisaku Sato. A celebration event with executives from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party was scheduled for the 27th but has also been postponed.

Recently, a Japanese weekly magazine reported that Abe coughed up blood, sparking rumors about his health. Concerns intensified after Abe stayed for about seven hours at Keio University Hospital on the 17th. The hospital explained that it was an additional examination following a health checkup conducted in June, but since the results have not been disclosed, health rumors continue to circulate.

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