Japan’s Abe Returns to Work After Unexpected Hospital Visit
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he had undergone medical checks to ensure he was doing everything to stay in good health.
(Bloomberg) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe returned to his official residence to resume work Wednesday, making his first public appearance since an unexpected visit to a Tokyo hospital this week.
Abe spoke briefly to reporters in the foyer of the residence in response to questions about his health. He was last seen on camera entering a car Monday, after spending several hours at Keio University Hospital in Tokyo.
“I underwent tests to make sure I’m doing everything possible to maintain my physical condition,” Abe said to reporters. “Now I want to return to work and do my best.”
News network FNN cited a senior government figure as saying he had undergone treatment, not just testing, during the hospital visit. Kyodo News cited a source close to the administration as saying Abe’s digestive complaint had worsened due to stress.
The government has not given information about the purpose of his visit to the hospital. The 65-year-old previously resigned in 2007, citing a flare-up of his chronic ulcerative colitis, which many doctors say is exacerbated by stress.
Speculation over Abe’s health had been simmering because he had avoided extended public appearances since mid-June, even as the virus outbreak worsened.
Two cabinet ministers have denied there’s any problem with his health, while his close associate and ruling party lawmaker Akira Amari has publicly urged him to take time off. Abe’s usual summer trip to a second home outside Tokyo may have been canceled amid fears about spreading the coronavirus.
Concerns that his physical health may be worsening come as the virus spreads throughout the country, slamming the economy his government had previously touted as a success. Polls show the public is unimpressed with his management of the crisis, but Abe has rebuffed opposition calls for a new session of parliament to debate virus policy.
Jun Azumi, a lawmaker with the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, said the premier should explain his physical condition.
“Is it interfering with his ability to carry out his public duties?” Azumi asked, in remarks broadcast by NHK. “Can he not stand up to questioning in parliament? It would be good for him to explain in his own words.”
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