Japanese Weekly Magazine: "Prime Minister Abe's Ulcerative Colitis Relapses... Condition Worsening"

Shukan Bunshun "Ulcerative Colitis Drug Effect Disappears"
Discussing LDP Successor Election Method

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] There have been media reports that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's chronic illness, ulcerative colitis, has relapsed. As his health deteriorates, it is reported that the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan is considering succession plans for Prime Minister Abe.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 27th, the Japanese weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun (issue dated the 3rd of next month) cited a source close to Prime Minister Abe regarding his health condition, stating, "His chronic illness, ulcerative colitis, has relapsed and is worsening." The source said that during an examination at Keio University Hospital on the 24th, "the effect of the medication (which suppresses inflammation) has disappeared, causing the levels to rise."

Prime Minister Abe previously resigned midway through his first term in September 2007 due to worsening colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a disease characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation; when symptoms worsen, it causes abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. Although symptoms can be suppressed with medication, it is known to be incurable. It is reported that Abe has suffered from ulcerative colitis since he was 17 years old.

The weekly magazine also reported that Abe’s visit to Keio University Hospital on the 17th during his summer vacation was likely for granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GCAP) treatment. This procedure is performed when drug therapy is difficult. If undergoing this treatment, about 10 sessions are required, once or twice a week. If this treatment is ineffective, colon removal surgery must be performed.

Shukan Bunshun also reported that in relation to Abe’s health deterioration, the Liberal Democratic Party is considering electing a new party president through a joint meeting of both houses (House of Councillors and House of Representatives). In Japan, the president of the majority party serves as prime minister, so changing the party president effectively means changing the prime minister.

Regarding the successor, the magazine stated that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga is believed to be Abe’s preferred choice. Abe thinks that if a new party president is elected solely through the joint meeting of both houses due to the spread of COVID-19, it would prevent the election of his political rival, former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba.

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