Suga, Japanese Prime Minister's 'Hoarse Voice' Raises Health Concerns... "Undergoing Necessary Tests"

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga showed a hoarse voice in the National Diet on the 25th, raising health concerns. It was reported that Prime Minister Suga explained that there was no problem with his health.

According to local media on the day, Prime Minister Suga appeared before the House of Representatives Budget Committee and answered questions from lawmakers with a hoarse voice. When Junya Ogawa, a member of the House of Representatives from the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, asked about his physical condition, Suga replied, "My throat hurts and my voice is hoarse, but I am perfectly fine."

Katsunobu Kato, Chief Cabinet Secretary, repeatedly explained at the regular press conference in the afternoon that "there is nothing particularly wrong with his physical condition, and there is no hindrance to official duties." Secretary Kato added, "He has throat pain and a cough, and he is taking necessary medicine while consulting with the Prime Minister's official physician."

When asked whether Prime Minister Suga had been tested for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), he replied, "Necessary tests are being conducted," but did not disclose specific test details.

Meanwhile, at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on the same day, Prime Minister Suga said that the target period for securing the quantity of COVID-19 vaccines necessary for nationwide vaccination is "aiming for June." However, this differs from the statement by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai, who said they "expect" to secure it by June, leading to criticism that confusion has arisen.

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