Japan Cabinet Office: "Prime Minister Abe, rumored to have health issues, can complete his term"

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, amid rumors about his health issues, is seen wearing a mask as he returns to the Prime Minister's Official Residence after visiting Keio University Hospital in Tokyo on the 24th. Prime Minister Abe stayed at Keio University Hospital for seven and a half hours on the 17th for a health checkup and visited the same hospital again on this day, one week later.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Joselgina] Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, dismissed concerns about Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's deteriorating health, stating there is no particular problem.

In an interview with Bloomberg News on the 27th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga said, "I meet (Prime Minister Abe) about twice a day, and nothing has changed." This is the same statement he made in an interview with another foreign media outlet the previous day.

When asked whether Prime Minister Abe would be able to complete his term, he replied, "Of course." He explained that since Abe took a few days off starting from the 15th of this month, more people believe his condition has improved. Abe's term as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lasts until September next year.

Regarded as one of the candidates for the next prime minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga said about the prime minister position, "I have never thought about (becoming prime minister) at all," adding, "It is still a matter for a year from now."

Speculation about Prime Minister Abe's health issues spread after a weekly magazine report and his visit to a hospital.

In relation to this, Prime Minister Abe will hold a press conference at the Prime Minister's Official Residence at 5 p.m. on the 28th. This will be Abe's first formal press conference at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in 71 days, since June 18.

At this event, he is expected to address his health condition as well as his views on personnel matters within the Liberal Democratic Party and the cabinet reshuffle.

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