Abe's Hospital Visit Raises Concern
Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo spent three and a half hours at a hospital in Tokyo on Monday for medical reasons. He says it was a follow-up to a test he took last week. But the visit adds fuel to concerns the prime minister may be in poor health.
Abe said, " I heard details about my test results and also underwent additional tests. I'll continue to do my best in my work and take all measures to manage my physical condition."
Abe declined to share information when asked about the content and results of the tests.
He broke a record on Monday becoming the Japanese leader with the most consecutive days in office -- 2,799.
But there's speculation the prime minister's health has taken a hit from the stresses of governing during a pandemic.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide said he sees Abe every day and that he hasn't seen any change.
A senior official of the largest opposition party says if Abe is ill, he should concentrate on treatment.
Nagatsuma Akira of the Constitutional Democratic Party said, "The Diet is not holding an extraordinary session even though our nation is facing a crisis. If it's because of Prime Minister Abe's physical condition, he needs to consider whether he should step down."
Nagatsuma says the public deserves an explanation of the prime minister's condition from the government.
