Japan's Abe Works Morning Shifts Two Days in a Row... Seems to Be an Effort to Dispel 'Health Concerns' Controversy

Prime Minister Abe, who often arrived at work in the afternoon, now arrives in the morning
Cabinet denies rumors of Prime Minister's health issues
Expected to address health status at COVID-19 measures press conference on the 28th

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been surrounded by health rumors, went to the Prime Minister's Official Residence in the morning for two consecutive days. Considering that he often went to work in the afternoon after the summer vacation, this is a changed appearance. It seems to be a move to dispel health rumors.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is leaving the Prime Minister's Official Residence on the 25th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Kyodo News on the 26th, Prime Minister Abe left his private residence in the morning and attended a cabinet meeting held at 10 a.m. at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Abe, who often went to work in the afternoon around the summer vacation, going to work in the morning for two consecutive days appears to be an effort to dispel concerns related to his health.

During the summer vacation period, Abe underwent a medical examination at Keio University Hospital on the 17th and visited the hospital again on the 24th for another check-up.

Abe is scheduled to explain measures against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at a press conference on the 28th, where he is also expected to address health issues.

The Japanese government also made efforts to block the controversy over Prime Minister Abe's health rumors. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization, stated at the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee, "Last week and the week before, he seemed a little tired, but on the 25th, he was very healthy and gave various instructions as usual."

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, said at a regular briefing on the 24th, "I meet him every day and think there is no change."

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