Data map: Abe prepared to speak to reporters when he returned to the Prime Minister's residence from the hospital on August 24. (AFP)
According to Japan's Kyodo News Agency, on the 25th, multiple Japanese government officials revealed that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to hold a press conference on the 28th, which may explain the recent concerns about his physical condition. According to reports, this will be Abe’s first press conference since June 18.
According to reports, if the press conference is held as scheduled, Abe is expected to mainly introduce his new crown countermeasures. In addition, he may take the initiative to explain the recent concerns about his physical condition.
Abe twice went to Keio University Hospital in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, for examinations on August 17 and 24, causing concerns about his health. At that time, he said that he would "explain the contents and results of the inspection in the future."
Japan’s Shukan Bunshun and South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo reported on the 26th that “the Prime Minister was hospitalized due to deterioration in his physical condition.” This news spread in Japanese political circles the day before Abe went to hospital on the 17th. Abe himself went to Keio University Hospital for a physical examination the day after the news came to light. Although he was not hospitalized, the examination lasted 7 and a half hours. Previously, Abe received a comprehensive physical examination approximately every six months, and this time it was only 2 months since the last one on June 13.
Japanese media pointed out that Abe’s chronic disease, ulcerative colitis, had been designated as a difficult disease by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Around 2009, Abe's symptoms were greatly improved by taking a new drug. Japanese government sources revealed that after the second Abe administration was established in December 2012, Abe sometimes used steroid preparations with strong anti-inflammatory effects to control his condition. The medical team led by the attending doctor of Keio Hospital has been responsible for treating him.
Data map: Jiji News Agency
Regarding the inspection on the 17th, South Korea's "Central Daily News" stated that the most common theory at present is that Abe's old problem, ulcerative colitis, has worsened again. In the Japanese publication Shukan Bunshun, which will be released on the 27th, it reported the statement of a person from Keio University Hospital where Abe was treated. According to them, Abe received a blood treatment, which is to first draw blood to remove the inflammation-causing bacteria. After the relevant elements are re-injected into the body. It is reported that this therapy has fewer side effects and is recommended as a "treatment for moderate to severe patients." A person from a Japanese hospital said, "With good treatment, the Prime Minister's health will recover."
However, Japanese media said that the treatment is not achieved overnight and needs to be carried out multiple times. Relevant people in the Japanese government are worried that it may interfere with official duties. However, Abe stated on the 24th that he would continue to work hard in the future and said that his "physical condition is fine."
According to reports, on the 25th, Abe entered the Prime Minister’s official residence in the morning for the first time in two weeks and worked for about 8 hours. He delivered a speech at the Education Regeneration Implementation Meeting that day, expressing his views on the closure of schools due to the epidemic, and also emphasized that it is important to ensure children's learning.
On the same day, Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama told the media after reporting to Abe at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence that Abe was “very energetic.” In addition, a government source also stated that "(Abe) is in good health."
A senior lawmaker from the Liberal Democratic Party believes that "(Abe) would be best if he could explain himself. He will probably tell everyone, 'I am very healthy.'" This revealed that Abe may intend to dispel external concerns.
