Abe, Japanese Prime Minister, to Hold First Press Conference in 2 Months Tomorrow... Will It Dispel Health Rumors?

Press Conference Scheduled on COVID-19 Response
Heightened Attention to Health Status Remarks

▲Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced a press conference on the 28th, attention is focused on the fact that he is also expected to address the controversial rumors about his 'health issues.'

According to Japanese media such as Asahi Shimbun on the 27th, Prime Minister Abe stated that he will hold a press conference after the meeting of the Novel Coronavirus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) Response Headquarters on the 28th.

Japanese media reported that Prime Minister Abe will present a series of COVID-19 measures, including securing a medical provision system in preparation for this fall when simultaneous outbreaks of COVID-19 and influenza are feared, strengthening COVID-19 testing, vaccine procurement plans, and extending the payment deadline for the 'Employment Adjustment Subsidy.'

In addition, Prime Minister Abe is expected to mention his health condition in relation to his visits to Keio University Hospital in Tokyo on the 17th and 24th, two consecutive weeks.

Kyodo News, citing an executive of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, reported, "It is better for Prime Minister Abe to explain the rumors about his health issues directly," and "He will say he is healthy at the press conference."

After visiting Keio University Hospital on the 24th, Prime Minister Abe told reporters at the Prime Minister's Office, "Today, I listened in detail to the test results from last week and underwent additional tests," and added, "I will do my best to manage my condition and work diligently."

Therefore, this press conference is interpreted as an attempt by Prime Minister Abe to dispel the health rumors and restore trust in the COVID-19 response.

The Japanese government also drew a line regarding rumors of Abe's early resignation. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference the day before, in response to being mentioned as one of the candidates for 'post-Abe,' "Prime Minister Abe's term as LDP president still has more than a year left," and "I am not thinking at all about being a future prime minister candidate."

Even if Prime Minister Abe explains his health condition at the press conference, it is questionable whether the health rumors will be completely dispelled.

In Japanese political circles, there is speculation that Abe's frequent hospital visits are due to a relapse of his chronic illness, ulcerative colitis. Prime Minister Abe resigned during his first term in September 2007 due to the worsening of ulcerative colitis.