Health Concerns Arise as Prime Minister Abe Visits Hospital

On Monday morning, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo entered Keio University hospital in Tokyo. A hospital official told reporters that his visit was a follow-up from a regular health check-up from June. However, that has not eased the flood of rumors spreading about the prime minister`s health. His recent lack of a proper summer holiday due to Tokyo Governor Koike`s attempts to lessen travel may start catching up with him.

At a recent assembly on August 9th for the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing, Minister Abe seemed to struggle with reading his prepared answers and spoke in a raspy voice. 

Other TV personalities have also pointed to the heavy criticism he and his party have recently been facing at one possibility for a decline in health. As it stands, Abe`s cabinet is sitting at a 54% disapproval rating, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. Heavy blame for how Corona is being handled, lack of proper rest, and record-breaking summer heat could be taking a toll. 

In 2007, he was forced to resign due to chronic ulcerative colitis. If his condition were to worsen again, opposing parties would likely call his ability to lead into question. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga insists that the prime minister’s condition is fine in response to a rumor that he had coughed up blood in his office.