India has honoured former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country.

India has also honoured two Bangladeshi national Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, veteran of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war, Sanjida Khatun(musicologist) with "Padma Shri".

The country has also honoured Indian-American Narinder Singh Kapany&nbsp;with "Padma Vibhushan". He is credited with the coining of the term fibre optics and is also considered the "father of fibre optics".

The Padma awards are one of the highest civilian Awards of the country which is conferred in three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service.

"Padma Vibhushan" is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. "Padma Bhushan" for distinguished service of high order and "Padma Shri" for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. 
&nbsp; 
Nripendra Misra, Keshubhai Patel, Kalbe Sadiq, Chandrashekhar Kambara, Tarlochan Singh have been conferred the "Padma Bhushan".&nbsp;

Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, ex-Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan were conferred the "Padma Bhushan" posthumously.

India has honoured former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country. India has also honoured two Bangladeshi national Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, veteran of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war, Sanjida Khatun(musicologist) with "Padma Shri".

India has honoured former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe with Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award of the country. India has also honoured two Bangladeshi national Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, veteran of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war, Sanjida Khatun(musicologist) with "Padma Shri". The country has also honoured Indian-American Narinder Singh Kapany with "Padma Vibhushan". He is credited with the coining of the term fibre optics and is also considered the "father of fibre optics". The Padma awards are one of the highest civilian Awards of the country which is conferred in three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service. "Padma Vibhushan" is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. "Padma Bhushan" for distinguished service of high order and "Padma Shri" for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year. Nripendra Misra, Keshubhai Patel, Kalbe Sadiq, Chandrashekhar Kambara, Tarlochan Singh have been conferred the "Padma Bhushan". Former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, ex-Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan were conferred the "Padma Bhushan" posthumously.

India confers Padma Vibhushan award to former Japan PM Shinzo Abe

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has corrected statements he had made in parliament, regarding a political funding scandal that has also cast a pall over the current premier. He on Friday apologised for what he said were mistakes.

The apology came after his secretary was on Thursday summarily indicted over the issue and fined 1 million yen ($9,650). Abe also filed corrected political funding reports for the last three years.

Abe said he felt deeply responsible for making repeated false denials that his political funding group had subsidised cherry blossom viewing parties for his supporters, in possible violation of the country's strict political funding laws.

Japan's longest-serving leader said he had known nothing about the payments and pledged to work to regain public trust.&nbsp;

"Even though the accounting procedures happened without my knowledge, I feel morally responsible for what happened," Abe told a parliamentary committee.&nbsp;

"I reflect on this deeply and apologise from my heart to the citizens and to all lawmakers."

Abe quit as prime minister on health grounds in September after serving nearly eight years as prime minister.

Abe's statements to parliament from the end of 2019 contradicted the findings of the prosecutors at least 118 times. The scandal threatens to damage his successor, Yoshihide Suga, who was Abe's right-hand man throughout his term and has defended his former boss in parliament.

The public apology marks a sharp reversal of fortune for Abe, a political blue-bloods whose grandfather and great-uncle also served as premiers.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has corrected statements he had made in parliament, regarding a political funding scandal that has also cast a pall over the current premier.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has corrected statements he had made in parliament, regarding a political funding scandal that has also cast a pall over the current premier. He on Friday apologised for what he said were mistakes. The apology came after his secretary was on Thursday summarily indicted over the issue and fined 1 million yen ($9,650). Abe also filed corrected political funding reports for the last three years. Abe said he felt deeply responsible for making repeated false denials that his political funding group had subsidised cherry blossom viewing parties for his supporters, in possible violation of the country's strict political funding laws. Japan's longest-serving leader said he had known nothing about the payments and pledged to work to regain public trust. "Even though the accounting procedures happened without my knowledge, I feel morally responsible for what happened," Abe told a parliamentary committee. "I reflect on this deeply and apologise from my heart to the citizens and to all lawmakers." Abe quit as prime minister on health grounds in September after serving nearly eight years as prime minister. Abe's statements to parliament from the end of 2019 contradicted the findings of the prosecutors at least 118 times. The scandal threatens to damage his successor, Yoshihide Suga, who was Abe's right-hand man throughout his term and has defended his former boss in parliament. The public apology marks a sharp reversal of fortune for Abe, a political blue-bloods whose grandfather and great-uncle also served as premiers.

Former Japan PM Abe apologises, corrects statements on funding scandal

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday (December 25) corrected statements he had made in parliament, apologizing for what he said were mistakes regarding a political funding scandal that has also cast a pall over the current premier.

Japan's ex-PM Shinzo Abe apologises over cherry blossom scandal

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may be summoned to parliament for questioning amid a row over a possible violation of election funding laws.

According to Reuters, the ruling bloc is arranging to summon Abe on Friday for questioning at steering committees. It is also considering whether to put the sessions online to open them to the public.

Abe stepped down from his post citing ill health in September.

He is under scanner on suspicion that his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters -- a violation of funding laws.

Abe had denied the accusations when questioned in parliament last year. He had appeared for voluntary questioning on Monday about the issue and again denied his involvement.

Abe will give a news conference on Thursday from 18:00 local time (0900 GMT), the Reuters report said.

Prosecutors had been building a case against the 61-year-old over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,210).

The issue risks hurting current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was Abe's right-hand man during his 2012-2020 tenure and defended him in parliament.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may be summoned to parliament for questioning amid a row over a possible violation of election funding laws. According to Reuters, the ruling bloc is arranging to summon Abe on Friday for questioning at steering committees.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may be summoned to parliament for questioning amid a row over a possible violation of election funding laws. According to Reuters, the ruling bloc is arranging to summon Abe on Friday for questioning at steering committees. It is also considering whether to put the sessions online to open them to the public. Abe stepped down from his post citing ill health in September. He is under scanner on suspicion that his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters -- a violation of funding laws. Abe had denied the accusations when questioned in parliament last year. He had appeared for voluntary questioning on Monday about the issue and again denied his involvement. Abe will give a news conference on Thursday from 18:00 local time (0900 GMT), the Reuters report said. Prosecutors had been building a case against the 61-year-old over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,210). The issue risks hurting current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was Abe's right-hand man during his 2012-2020 tenure and defended him in parliament.

Ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe may be summoned to parliament in funding case

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday&nbsp;questioned former&nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe&nbsp;over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader,&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga.

Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year.

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Prosecutors have been building a case against&nbsp;Abe's secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked&nbsp;Abe&nbsp;to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue, domestic media reported this month.

Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations.&nbsp;Abe's office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile.

The scandal risks tarnishing Abe’s legacy and could weaken Suga, his preferred successor when he stepped down, saying he required treatment for a recurrence of a chronic bowel condition.

Suga, who was Abe’s chief spokesman for almost eight years, publicly defended the then prime minister when the allegations were first reported last year.

The pressure is building on Abe to give unsworn testimony before a parliamentary budget committee, possibly before the end of the year.

Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday questioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader, Yoshihide Suga. Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year.

Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday questioned former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over a funding scandal that could harm the country’s current leader, Yoshihide Suga. Abe, who stepped down citing ill health in September, is under fire on suspicion his office helped cover the costs of dinner parties for supporters, a possible violation of funding laws that he denied when questioned in parliament last year. Prosecutors have been building a case against Abe's secretary over unreported funds involving as much as 40 million yen ($386,922) and had asked Abe to appear for voluntary questioning about the issue, domestic media reported this month. Tokyo prosecutors said they do not comment on investigations. Abe's office declined to comment and requested that questions be sent by facsimile. The scandal risks tarnishing Abe’s legacy and could weaken Suga, his preferred successor when he stepped down, saying he required treatment for a recurrence of a chronic bowel condition. Suga, who was Abe’s chief spokesman for almost eight years, publicly defended the then prime minister when the allegations were first reported last year. The pressure is building on Abe to give unsworn testimony before a parliamentary budget committee, possibly before the end of the year. Suga has already seen his approval ratings tumble over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He drew fire for joining year-end social gatherings despite asking Japanese citizens to avoid such parties amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

'Cherry blossom' scandal: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe questioned by prosecutors

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.&nbsp;

Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. &nbsp;Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet.&nbsp;

71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. &nbsp;However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention.&nbsp;

It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister.&nbsp;

The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms.

With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, &nbsp;Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. &nbsp;

Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well.&nbsp;

But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. &nbsp;

Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China.&nbsp;

That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward.

Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga

As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, &nbsp;an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example.

There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already.&nbsp;

Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray.

A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also.&nbsp;

Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan.&nbsp;

Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister.&nbsp;

Son of a strawberry farmer

Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. &nbsp;

What's in it for India?

This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. &nbsp;Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer.&nbsp;

It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour.&nbsp;

This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. &nbsp;India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability.

The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. &nbsp;

It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them?

Japan watches China

China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. &nbsp;South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well.&nbsp;

Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink.&nbsp;

China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions.&nbsp;

All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead.&nbsp;

Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop.

The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, &nbsp;if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader.

On ailing but long-serving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation, earlier this month, Japan’s Conservative Liberal Democratic party (LDP), elected his Chief Cabinet Secretary as Party leader. Most of the LDP factions united to give Suga a 70% majority on September 14th. Two days later, Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister by Japan’s Diet. 71-year-old Suga has, in recognition of the support he has received, swiftly reappointed most of the heavyweights in Shinzo Abe’s outgoing cabinet. However, a new face is attracting both interest and attention. It is Shinzo Abe’s younger brother Nobuo Kishi, appointed defence minister. The Abe cabinet’s defence minister, Taro Kano, also a former foreign minister, was shifted to Administrative Reforms. With increased Chinese and North Korean belligerence on Japan’s doorstep, Shinzo Abe was already building a consensus on whether Japan should militarise more sharply. In fact, Japan has been steadily improving its indigenous armaments industry under Abe. Now Kishi, though new to the defence arena, will take the agenda forward. In a pointedly pacifist Japan post WWII, it was only allowed a token military capacity. Japan has been long dependent on American military protection, including its nuclear weapons umbrella. This protection applies to Taiwan in the region as well. But giving the vastly altered political, economic and military landscape in 2020, the time has come to accelerate Japan’s own military preparedness in the face of an ever-growing Chinese military. Japan, like Taiwan, recognises it needs a much improved and bigger offensive capacity in the event of war. It must vastly upgrade its Army, Navy and Air Force. It needs weapons that can strike missile launch sites in North Korea and China. That Shinzo Abe signed a treaty with India for mutual access to each other’s military facilities just days before handing over the baton is indicative. Suga and Kishi are likely to take matters forward. Economic issues to take centrestage for Suga As the world’s third-largest, Japan’s economy, already long in recession, plagued by indebtedness, an ageing population, labour shortages, is now in distress. The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the Japanese economy further. For Suga, as he has already indicated, economic issues will take centre stage. He wants to move sharply on greater digitisation for example. There is the difficult question on when to hold the Tokyo Olympics, expected to be a substantial revenue earner, but postponed for a year by the pandemic already. Economic issues may also become crucial in order to win the next elections. This even though the Japanese opposition is in fair disarray. A number of Japanese manufacturers are being assisted financially by the Japanese government to move out of China. They will relocate, to India, and other countries. Japan enjoys a very good relationship with Vietnam also. Taro Aso, a former prime minister was retained by Suga as the finance minister, as was Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s seniormost diplomat, as foreign minister. Suga himself has travelled very little outside Japan, though he has been successful at developing tourism to Japan. Overall, Yoshihide Suga is credited with being an excellent administrator. He was virtually Abe’s shadow prime minister. Son of a strawberry farmer Suga has risen to the top job in Japanese politics despite having no family background in it. He is the son of a strawberry farmer from Akita Prefecture. Suga is certainly no political blueblood like his mentor Shinzo Abe. But this may work well for him and the LDP with the every-man on the street. What's in it for India? This change of guard in Japan comes at a critical juncture for India and its place in the world. Its nearly five-month-old military and economic confrontation with China promises to be a game-changer. It is qualitatively different from the policy positions India has taken in the past. This time, India is pushing back against Chinese imperialism in no uncertain terms. The outcome is thought by many learned observers, as likely to go in India’s favour. This, if an armed conflict, even a two-front war breaks out, involving both China and its ally Pakistan. India is battle-hardened with professional soldiers, and China is practically untested and has a largely conscripted military low on morale and ability. The way the world is looking at this stand-off is already significant. Even before it has come to war, it is already impacting strategic calculations. The ground is shifting in South Asia, the Indian Ocean region, West Asia, South-East Asia and the Asia-Pacific. That India is standing up to Chinese bullying without flinching is an inspiration to many other countries. It is also germane to the US and NATO alliance and its notions of geo-politics in the region, the Indo-Russian relationship, the emerging Quad Nations of Japan, the US, Australia and India. It has intensified the developing relationship with Israel and the Gulf countries of West Asia. They too are overcoming old dogmas and forging historical ties never seen before. China may be with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, but is it working for them? Japan watches China China is in truth on the backfoot. This is of course, not just because of India. Japan is watching closely. The freedom of the seas and its sea lanes in the South China Sea, the safety of the Japanese islands in the East China Sea, affect Japan - but others in the region as well. South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines, Indonesia, are all being intimidated by China as well. Several countries are reeling from the debt traps they have walked into with the Chinese, including Cambodia and Sri Lanka, and of course, Pakistan. Others, like Bangladesh and Myanmar are teetering on the brink. China’s sharp trade practices, including dumping of goods at vastly reduced prices to cripple competition and industry from elsewhere, is also now being challenged with boycotts and sanctions. All this flux for China could well present huge economic opportunity for Japan, as more and more countries turn away from predatory China following India’s lead. Suga may well see in an economic boom for Japan if he plays his cards right. That the pushback to China is backed by the Western powers provides an excellent backstop. The relationship with India, is ripe for improving to the next level. It has been warming up ever since the arrival of the Modi administration in 2014 and the personal chemistry between Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi. Now, if both countries strike while the iron is hot, it could assume stellar proportions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Continuity, economy and militarism: Japan's new PM Yoshihide Suga has his plate full

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;on Thursday called for an expansion of the partnership between&nbsp;India and&nbsp;Japan in third countries such as&nbsp;Russia's far east and Pacific Island.

The comments&nbsp;are significant since Russian far east borders China and China has been keen to grow its engagement with Pacific Islands.

Speaking at a FICCI virtual event, he said, "one is possibility of economic cooperation in Russian far east, because India has shown much greater willingness to be involved in economic projects there and the other is pacific island countries, we have development partnership and political footprints..has grown significantly".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;visited&nbsp;Vladivostok last year&nbsp;for annual India-Russia bilateral Summit and announcing a Line of Credit of USD 1 billion for development projects in the Russian Far East region. The Line of Credit (LOC) will facilitate undertaking infrastructure and other development projects.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yoshihide-suga-formally-elected-as-japans-new-prime-minister-327826">Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister</a>

India is also increasing its outreach to Pacific island countries, especially via the Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation or FIPIC which has India and 14 Pacific Island countries, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Both countries already have a partnership in third world countries&nbsp;for infrastructure and project development. Joint projects are underway in Sri Lanka, and with EAM saying both are "trying to see if we can cooperate in&nbsp;Bangladesh and Myanmar."

India, Japan engage via "act east forum" which is chaired by foreign secretary of India and Japanese envoy to Delhi. It coordinates Japanese investment in India's northeast and the wider region increasing connectivity to Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Jaishankar&nbsp;called Japan as India's "most trusted partners&nbsp;and great inspiration for modernisation in Asia," saying, "we had the Maruti revolution, the metro revolution and bullet revolution in the making..because of the history of Japan, because of the strengths of Japan, it makes you more invaluable partner in our own journey to modernity".

Ties between the two&nbsp;countries have substantially increased in the last few years due to former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar&nbsp;said, India, Japan ties have turned from "narrow bilateral relation" to "landscape of interaction now broader" and signifying "maturing of relations". Adding, it is not "Delhi talking to Tokyo", the relationship has "more conversations, has substance today..and reflects the journey of last 25 years".

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called for an expansion of the partnership between India and Japan in third countries such as Russia's far east and Pacific Island.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called for an expansion of the partnership between India and Japan in third countries such as Russia's far east and Pacific Island. The comments are significant since Russian far east borders China and China has been keen to grow its engagement with Pacific Islands. Speaking at a FICCI virtual event, he said, "one is possibility of economic cooperation in Russian far east, because India has shown much greater willingness to be involved in economic projects there and the other is pacific island countries, we have development partnership and political footprints..has grown significantly". Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Vladivostok last year for annual India-Russia bilateral Summit and announcing a Line of Credit of USD 1 billion for development projects in the Russian Far East region. The Line of Credit (LOC) will facilitate undertaking infrastructure and other development projects. Also read: Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister India is also increasing its outreach to Pacific island countries, especially via the Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation or FIPIC which has India and 14 Pacific Island countries, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Both countries already have a partnership in third world countries for infrastructure and project development. Joint projects are underway in Sri Lanka, and with EAM saying both are "trying to see if we can cooperate in Bangladesh and Myanmar." India, Japan engage via "act east forum" which is chaired by foreign secretary of India and Japanese envoy to Delhi. It coordinates Japanese investment in India's northeast and the wider region increasing connectivity to Bangladesh and Myanmar. Jaishankar called Japan as India's "most trusted partners and great inspiration for modernisation in Asia," saying, "we had the Maruti revolution, the metro revolution and bullet revolution in the making..because of the history of Japan, because of the strengths of Japan, it makes you more invaluable partner in our own journey to modernity". Ties between the two countries have substantially increased in the last few years due to former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar said, India, Japan ties have turned from "narrow bilateral relation" to "landscape of interaction now broader" and signifying "maturing of relations". Adding, it is not "Delhi talking to Tokyo", the relationship has "more conversations, has substance today..and reflects the journey of last 25 years".

EAM Jaishankar calls for expansion of India, Japan partnership to Russia, Pacific Island

Japanese ruling party leader Yoshihide Suga was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote Wednesday, becoming the country’s first new premier in nearly eight years.

PM Suga's 5-step plan to revive Japanese economy

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister.

After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said&nbsp;"According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister."

Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-after-sweeping-party-poll-yoshihide-suga-reshuffles-ldp-leadership-327685" hreflang="en">Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership</a>

The 71-year-old&nbsp;is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's &nbsp;government.

Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes.

Abe is ending his record-breaking tenure with a year left in his mandate, forced out by a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition that has long plagued him.

Earlier, in a video posted on Twitter, he looked back at his record.

"Sadly, we were not able to achieve some goals," he said, in an apparent reference to his long-held desire to revise the pacifist constitution, something Suga does not seem eager to pursue. "However, we were able to take a shot at, and achieve, other divisive issues."

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…秘書です。 
安倍内閣官邸Twitter最終回の更新をリツイートいたします。 <a href="https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS">https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS</a>
— 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo/status/1306005187396419585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-yoshihide-suga-wins-party-leadership-race-headed-for-premiership-327400">Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership</a>

Abe and his cabinet resigned on Wednesday morning, paving the way for a vote in parliament in the early afternoon, which Suga is expected to easily win, given the ruling party's strong majority.

The 71-year-old has spent decades in politics, most recently as chief cabinet secretary, where he was known for pushing government policies through a sometimes intractable bureaucracy.

He has also been the face of the government, doggedly defending its policies as spokesman, including in sometimes testy exchanges with journalists.

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Suga's background, as the son of a strawberry farmer father and schoolteacher mother, sets him apart from the many blue blood political elites in his party and the Japanese political scene.

But while he has championed some measures intended to help rural areas like his hometown in northern Japan's Akita, his political views remain largely a mystery.

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister. After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said "According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister.

Japan's parliament on Wednesday formally elected ruling party president Yoshihide Suga as the country's new prime minister. After the votes were counted, lower house speaker Tadamori Oshima said "According to the results, our house has decided to name Yoshihide Suga prime minister." Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. Also read: Japan: After sweeping party poll, Yoshihide Suga reshuffles LDP leadership The 71-year-old is expected to announce his cabinet later Wednesday, with local media reporting he will retain a number of ministers from Abe's government. Suga has said he will prioritise keeping coronavirus infections under control and kickstarting Japan's economy, and has promised to continue Abe's key policy programmes. Abe is ending his record-breaking tenure with a year left in his mandate, forced out by a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition that has long plagued him. Earlier, in a video posted on Twitter, he looked back at his record. "Sadly, we were not able to achieve some goals," he said, in an apparent reference to his long-held desire to revise the pacifist constitution, something Suga does not seem eager to pursue. "However, we were able to take a shot at, and achieve, other divisive issues." …秘書です。 安倍内閣官邸Twitter最終回の更新をリツイートいたします。 https://t.co/vw0Vq2y5bS — 安倍晋三 (@AbeShinzo) September 15, 2020 × Also read| Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership Abe and his cabinet resigned on Wednesday morning, paving the way for a vote in parliament in the early afternoon, which Suga is expected to easily win, given the ruling party's strong majority. The 71-year-old has spent decades in politics, most recently as chief cabinet secretary, where he was known for pushing government policies through a sometimes intractable bureaucracy. He has also been the face of the government, doggedly defending its policies as spokesman, including in sometimes testy exchanges with journalists. × Suga's background, as the son of a strawberry farmer father and schoolteacher mother, sets him apart from the many blue blood political elites in his party and the Japanese political scene. But while he has championed some measures intended to help rural areas like his hometown in northern Japan's Akita, his political views remain largely a mystery.

Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister

What does Japan's new Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga bring to the table? Will he build on the India-Japan friendship which reached unprecedented highs under Shinzo Abe? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Meet Japan's next Prime Minister

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week.

Suga&nbsp;easily won the vote, taking 377 of the 534 valid votes cast by Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers and regional representatives, significantly ahead of his two rivals.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Given his party's legislative majority, he is expected to handily win a parliamentary vote Wednesday and become prime minister, succeeding Abe, who is resigning for health reasons.

Suga thanked Abe and vowed to push ahead with reforms. Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, said last month that he would resign because of ill health, ending nearly eight years in office.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/yoshihide-suga-chief-cabinet-secretary-set-to-become-new-prime-minister-of-japan-327390/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I was born as the oldest son of a farmer in Akita," Suga said. "Without any knowledge or blood ties, I launched into the world of politics, starting from zero - and have been able to become leader of the LDP, with all its traditions and history."

"I will devote all of myself to work for Japan and its citizens," he added.

Suga has said he would continue Abe's signature "Abenomics" strategy of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms while juggling the problems of COVID-19 and a slumping economy, and confronting longer-term issues such as Japan's ageing population and low birth rate.

Even before he formally announced his run, the 71-year-old&nbsp;Suga had won the support of key factions within the ruling party, with his candidacy viewed as promising stability.

The LDP chose to poll only its lawmakers in parliament and three representatives from each of the country's 47 regions, eschewing a broader ballot including rank-and-file members that officials said would have taken too long to organise.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, a loyal aide to outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, won a landslide victory in a ruling party leadership election on Monday, paving the way for him to replace Abe this week. Suga easily won the vote, taking 377 of the 534 valid votes cast by Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers and regional representatives, significantly ahead of his two rivals. Also see: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Given his party's legislative majority, he is expected to handily win a parliamentary vote Wednesday and become prime minister, succeeding Abe, who is resigning for health reasons. Suga thanked Abe and vowed to push ahead with reforms. Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, said last month that he would resign because of ill health, ending nearly eight years in office. "I was born as the oldest son of a farmer in Akita," Suga said. "Without any knowledge or blood ties, I launched into the world of politics, starting from zero - and have been able to become leader of the LDP, with all its traditions and history." "I will devote all of myself to work for Japan and its citizens," he added. Suga has said he would continue Abe's signature "Abenomics" strategy of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms while juggling the problems of COVID-19 and a slumping economy, and confronting longer-term issues such as Japan's ageing population and low birth rate. Even before he formally announced his run, the 71-year-old Suga had won the support of key factions within the ruling party, with his candidacy viewed as promising stability. The LDP chose to poll only its lawmakers in parliament and three representatives from each of the country's 47 regions, eschewing a broader ballot including rank-and-file members that officials said would have taken too long to organise.

Japan: Yoshihide Suga wins party leadership race, headed for premiership

Yoshihide Suga is almost certain to become the country's next Prime Minister, as Japan's governing party has chosen Suga as its new leader to succeed Shinzo Abe.

Yoshihide Suga, Chief Cabinet Secretary, set to become new Prime Minister of Japan

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption.

According to a poll published by a local daily newspaper on Thursday, Suga is the frontrunner in the election race, as around 44 per cent survey-takers said they would like to see Suga replacing Abe.

The longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to step down from his post last month confirming the rumours doing rounds about&nbsp;his ill-health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abes-longtime-aid-yoshihide-suga-to-run-for-leadership-race-324791">Also read:&nbsp;Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race</a>

The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win. The prediction has been supported by the poll as 36 per cent said they would like to see the former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba replacing Abe, whereas 44 per cent supported Suga.

September 08 was the last day for leaders to file their nomination, and the leaders are now allowed to start campaigning for the race.

The poll was conducted by the&nbsp;Social Survey Research Centre and was published in a local daily newspaper&nbsp; Mainichi Shimbun.

The poll has come few days after Suga hinted pushing for snap elections and said he is hopeful about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-suga-hopeful-about-tokyo-olympic-games-amid-falling-economy-325911">Tokyo Olympic Games</a>.&nbsp;”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga was being expected to turn out people's favourite in the upcoming elections to replace former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the opinion polls are now supporting that assumption. According to a poll published by a local daily newspaper on Thursday, Suga is the frontrunner in the election race, as around 44 per cent survey-takers said they would like to see Suga replacing Abe. The longest-serving Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, had to step down from his post last month confirming the rumours doing rounds about his ill-health. Also read: Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race The elections for the post of Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) head are scheduled for Setember 14. Suga will be competing against former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida. However, political experts are predicting Suga's win. The prediction has been supported by the poll as 36 per cent said they would like to see the former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba replacing Abe, whereas 44 per cent supported Suga. September 08 was the last day for leaders to file their nomination, and the leaders are now allowed to start campaigning for the race. The poll was conducted by the Social Survey Research Centre and was published in a local daily newspaper Mainichi Shimbun. The poll has come few days after Suga hinted pushing for snap elections and said he is hopeful about Tokyo Olympic Games. ”We’d like to contain the pandemic and make this happen,” he said. ”There are various, extraordinary merits for Japan to host the Games.”

Yoshihide Suga frontrunner in race to succeed Shinzo Abe: Poll

Japan's ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race.

A vote in parliament,&nbsp;expected to endorse the Liberal Democratic Party's new leader,&nbsp;is likely to follow on September 16.

The new prime minister will face a raft of challenges, from the coronavirus pandemic to a tanking economy, as well as ensuring the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games can go ahead.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Key LDP factions have already thrown their support behind Suga, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy later Wednesday.

Two other candidates, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, have so far announced plans to stand.

Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, kicked off the race when he said last week he would step down over health problems.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fumio-kishida-announces-candidacy-to-replace-japans-shinzo-abe-324437">Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe</a>

Scaled-back vote

The LDP has opted for a scaled-back leadership vote that will not include rank-and-file members.

Instead, only its MPs and three representatives from each of the country's 47 prefectures will vote.

The decision has elicited some criticism, but party officials said it would take too long to organise a broader vote.

Experts said the format favours Suga, 71, who has built an effectively insurmountable lead in the race already.

His selection "is increasingly assured, as the LDP's factions -– with the exception of the factions headed by rival candidates Shigeru Ishiba and Fumio Kishida -– have lined up behind Suga", said Tobias Harris, a Japan expert at Teneo consultancy, in a note.

Suga has held his key post for years -- coordinating policy among ministries and agencies, and serving as the effective face of the government as its chief spokesman.

Considered a pragmatic politician, he is a close Abe advisor who encouraged the prime minister to run again after a disastrous first term in office ended after just a year in 2007.

Rivals

Kishida, 63, a former foreign minister, was in the past considered Abe's favoured successor.

But the outgoing prime minister has said he will not endorse a candidate, and Kishida's limited public profile is likely to leave him struggling to challenge the likes of Suga.

On Wednesday, the policy chief said more was needed from Abe's signature economic stimulus programme, as it had primarily benefited big companies and the rich.

"Trickle-down effects are expected for the middle class, mid-sized and small-sized companies and for the countryside, but that's not happening yet," he argued in an interview with local media.

Ishiba, 63, polls well with the general public but is less popular among party members.

He once left the LDP -- spending time as both an independent and briefly joining another party -- and many within the ruling bloc have not forgiven the political dalliance.

Ishiba has also stressed the need for everyday people on lower incomes to benefit from government economic policies, and said Japan needs to reduce its reliance on nuclear power.

Japan's ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race.

Japan's ruling party will vote on September 14 on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's replacement, an official confirmed Wednesday, as powerful chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga consolidated his frontrunner status in the race. A vote in parliament, expected to endorse the Liberal Democratic Party's new leader, is likely to follow on September 16. The new prime minister will face a raft of challenges, from the coronavirus pandemic to a tanking economy, as well as ensuring the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games can go ahead. Also see: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Key LDP factions have already thrown their support behind Suga, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy later Wednesday. Two other candidates, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, have so far announced plans to stand. Abe, Japan's longest-serving leader, kicked off the race when he said last week he would step down over health problems. Also read: Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe Scaled-back vote The LDP has opted for a scaled-back leadership vote that will not include rank-and-file members. Instead, only its MPs and three representatives from each of the country's 47 prefectures will vote. The decision has elicited some criticism, but party officials said it would take too long to organise a broader vote. Experts said the format favours Suga, 71, who has built an effectively insurmountable lead in the race already. His selection "is increasingly assured, as the LDP's factions -– with the exception of the factions headed by rival candidates Shigeru Ishiba and Fumio Kishida -– have lined up behind Suga", said Tobias Harris, a Japan expert at Teneo consultancy, in a note. Suga has held his key post for years -- coordinating policy among ministries and agencies, and serving as the effective face of the government as its chief spokesman. Considered a pragmatic politician, he is a close Abe advisor who encouraged the prime minister to run again after a disastrous first term in office ended after just a year in 2007. Rivals Kishida, 63, a former foreign minister, was in the past considered Abe's favoured successor. But the outgoing prime minister has said he will not endorse a candidate, and Kishida's limited public profile is likely to leave him struggling to challenge the likes of Suga. On Wednesday, the policy chief said more was needed from Abe's signature economic stimulus programme, as it had primarily benefited big companies and the rich. "Trickle-down effects are expected for the middle class, mid-sized and small-sized companies and for the countryside, but that's not happening yet," he argued in an interview with local media. Ishiba, 63, polls well with the general public but is less popular among party members. He once left the LDP -- spending time as both an independent and briefly joining another party -- and many within the ruling bloc have not forgiven the political dalliance. Ishiba has also stressed the need for everyday people on lower incomes to benefit from government economic policies, and said Japan needs to reduce its reliance on nuclear power.

Japan's ruling party sets September 14 vote on PM Abe's successor

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe.

A day after former Foreign Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for elections, Japanese&nbsp;Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, too, has formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fumio-kishida-announces-candidacy-to-replace-japans-shinzo-abe-324437">Also read|&nbsp;Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe</a>

Suga had earlier declined rumours about running for elections. Abe's loyalist&nbsp;had last week emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and instead said he would like to focus on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga had earlier said.

However, on Wednesday he announced that&nbsp;he has decided to stand for party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-will-replace-abe-and-when-japan-pms-resignation-sparks-leadership-race-323707">Also read|&nbsp;Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race</a>

"In this time of national crisis, we cannot permit a political vacuum," Suga told a briefing. "I decided to run after giving very deep thought to what I can do, as a politician and as a member of Abe`s administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear."

Abe's longtime aid has made it clear that, if elected, he would continue Abe's aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and singled out hard-hit rural areas.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its President on September 14. The candidates are required to register their names on September 08,&nbsp;and can start campaigning immediately after.&nbsp;The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16.

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe.

After Japan's former Primer Minister Shinzo Abe stepped down fro, his post due to his ill health, people have been guessing which Japanese leaders will be contesting the elections to replace Abe. A day after former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida announced his plans to run for elections, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, too, has formally announced his participation in the upcoming elections. Also read| Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe Suga had earlier declined rumours about running for elections. Abe's loyalist had last week emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and instead said he would like to focus on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga had earlier said. However, on Wednesday he announced that he has decided to stand for party leader to avoid a political vacuum during the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race "In this time of national crisis, we cannot permit a political vacuum," Suga told a briefing. "I decided to run after giving very deep thought to what I can do, as a politician and as a member of Abe`s administration, to bring back as soon as possible the day when people can live without fear." Abe's longtime aid has made it clear that, if elected, he would continue Abe's aggressive fiscal and monetary stimulus policies and singled out hard-hit rural areas. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its President on September 14. The candidates are required to register their names on September 08, and can start campaigning immediately after. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16.

Abe's longtime aid Yoshihide Suga to run for leadership race

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week,&nbsp;Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for&nbsp;the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election.

Kishida is seen as one of the favourites of Abe and had earlier, too, expressed his intentions to run for the elections. However, he has not managed to gain attraction from the masses.

Abe's resignation has brought in the announcement of&nbsp;unexpected elections to replace him.&nbsp;Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new Prime Minister for the country.

The party will be voting on September 14 and the candidates are required to register their names on September, and can start campaigning immediately after.&nbsp;An official announcement from the Liberal Democratic Party is expected either later Tuesday or Wednesday, but a decision on a limited vote that will exclude rank-and-file members has already been approved.

The&nbsp;parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16, according to local reports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-will-replace-abe-and-when-japan-pms-resignation-sparks-leadership-race-323707">Also read|&nbsp;Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race</a>

Shinzo Abe resigned last week after weeks of speculation and rumours around his ill-health. The former Prime Minister of Japan has been battling&nbsp;the disease of ulcerative colitis for years and his two recent hospital visits within a week had sparked rumours and concerns about his wellbeing.

“I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe said.

Earlier, last week,&nbsp;loyalist Yoshihide Suga, had&nbsp;emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and said he doesn't want the job. Instead, he says, his focus is on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said.

Other than him, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is also expected to contest the elctions. He has been an Abe-critic for a very long time, and says he aimsto revive Japan's regional economies. Unlike Kishida, Ishiba is favoured by the public, but not by Parliament members.

Many more names such as Taro Aso, Taro Kono, Shinjiro Koizumi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Katsunobu Kato, Seiko Noda have come forward. However, no official announcements have been made on these names.

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week, Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election.

Following the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's resignation last week, Former Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida has officially announced that he would run for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) election. Kishida is seen as one of the favourites of Abe and had earlier, too, expressed his intentions to run for the elections. However, he has not managed to gain attraction from the masses. Abe's resignation has brought in the announcement of unexpected elections to replace him. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will now be hosting elections to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new Prime Minister for the country. The party will be voting on September 14 and the candidates are required to register their names on September, and can start campaigning immediately after. An official announcement from the Liberal Democratic Party is expected either later Tuesday or Wednesday, but a decision on a limited vote that will exclude rank-and-file members has already been approved. The parliamentary vote for prime minister will be held on September 16, according to local reports. Also read| Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race Shinzo Abe resigned last week after weeks of speculation and rumours around his ill-health. The former Prime Minister of Japan has been battling the disease of ulcerative colitis for years and his two recent hospital visits within a week had sparked rumours and concerns about his wellbeing. “I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe said. Earlier, last week, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, had emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister. However, Suga politely declined the opportunity and said he doesn't want the job. Instead, he says, his focus is on uplifting the economy that has been hit due to the novel coronavirus. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said. Other than him, former Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is also expected to contest the elctions. He has been an Abe-critic for a very long time, and says he aimsto revive Japan's regional economies. Unlike Kishida, Ishiba is favoured by the public, but not by Parliament members. Many more names such as Taro Aso, Taro Kono, Shinjiro Koizumi, Toshimitsu Motegi, Katsunobu Kato, Seiko Noda have come forward. However, no official announcements have been made on these names.

Fumio Kishida announces candidacy to replace Japan's Shinzo Abe

Former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is the most popular choice among the public to be the next prime minister, media opinion polls showed, as the race kicks off to succeed Shinzo Abe after his abrupt resignation last week.

Ishiba has about 34% of the public`s support, more than double the 14% for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the second-most popular choice, a weekend Kyodo News survey showed.

A Nikkei/TV Tokyo poll showed Ishiba with 28% support, followed by current Defence Minister Taro Kono with 15%. Suga came in fourth place with 11%, the poll showed.

The surveys highlight a split between public opinion and internal Liberal Democratic Party politics.

Suga - a longtime lieutenant of Abe`s in a key supporting role - is expected to get the backing of the faction led by LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai and of other major factions, local media reported, putting him in a favourable position.

That would make it an uphill battle for Ishiba, a vocal Abe critic who unsuccessfully challenged the out-going premier in the last LDP leadership race in 2018 and is considered less popular within the party.

Another potential candidate, LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, came in last place in both of the public opinion surveys.

Abe`s resignation announcement on Friday, citing the worsening of a chronic illness, set the stage for the party leadership election, which public broadcaster NHK said was likely to place around Sept. 13 to 15.

The LDP president is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the party`s majority in the lower house of parliament.

Brad Glosserman, deputy director of the Center for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University, said Suga was the safe bet in terms of internal LDP dynamics, but might not be ideal come election time. A general election must be held by late October 2021.

"He doesn`t seem to have either the charisma or the vision to push Japan in a new direction. He seems to be the eternal Number Two - he delivers on promises made by his boss," said Glosserman.

Former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is the most popular choice among the public to be the next prime minister, media opinion polls showed, as the race kicks off to succeed Shinzo Abe after his abrupt resignation last week.

Former Japanese Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba is the most popular choice among the public to be the next prime minister, media opinion polls showed, as the race kicks off to succeed Shinzo Abe after his abrupt resignation last week. Ishiba has about 34% of the public`s support, more than double the 14% for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the second-most popular choice, a weekend Kyodo News survey showed. A Nikkei/TV Tokyo poll showed Ishiba with 28% support, followed by current Defence Minister Taro Kono with 15%. Suga came in fourth place with 11%, the poll showed. The surveys highlight a split between public opinion and internal Liberal Democratic Party politics. Suga - a longtime lieutenant of Abe`s in a key supporting role - is expected to get the backing of the faction led by LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai and of other major factions, local media reported, putting him in a favourable position. That would make it an uphill battle for Ishiba, a vocal Abe critic who unsuccessfully challenged the out-going premier in the last LDP leadership race in 2018 and is considered less popular within the party. Another potential candidate, LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida, came in last place in both of the public opinion surveys. Abe`s resignation announcement on Friday, citing the worsening of a chronic illness, set the stage for the party leadership election, which public broadcaster NHK said was likely to place around Sept. 13 to 15. The LDP president is virtually assured of being prime minister because of the party`s majority in the lower house of parliament. Brad Glosserman, deputy director of the Center for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University, said Suga was the safe bet in terms of internal LDP dynamics, but might not be ideal come election time. A general election must be held by late October 2021. "He doesn`t seem to have either the charisma or the vision to push Japan in a new direction. He seems to be the eternal Number Two - he delivers on promises made by his boss," said Glosserman.

Ex-defence minister Ishiba is people's choice for next Japan PM, says polls

Shinzo Abe is an exception. Its not often that you hear a leader stepping down because of ill-health. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how some leaders in the past hid their health issues while in office.

Gravitas: Leaders who refused to step down despite ill health

As Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe invested significant diplomatic capital in developing strong ties with India. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the story of Abe's relationship with India.

Gravitas: Shinzo Abe's relationship with India

Shinzo Abe returned as Japan prime minister for a rare second term in December 2012, pledging to revive growth with his "Abenomics" mix of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms. He also pledged to beef up Japan's defence and revise the constitution. He was then called the "comeback kid".

Eight years later, when he resigns from office over health issues, he has cemented his place in history books. And he leaves behind a rich legacy, especially when it comes to Japan's relationship with India.

In 1957, the then prime minister of Japan, Nobusuke Kishi was accorded a warm welcome by India and the then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru who had thrown him a grand reception.

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Nobusuke Kishi was then the leader of a nation defeated in World War II, and was touched.

Upon returning to Japan, he narrated his experiences to his young grandson -- Shinzo Abe. He many years later recalled the episode before Indian parliamentarians in New Delhi.

"Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru brought my grandfather to an outdoor 'civic reception' at which tens of thousands of people had gathered. He introduced him to a crowd energetically saying, 'This is the prime minister of Japan, a country I hold in the greatest esteem.'

"This is a story I heard as a little boy from my grandfather. As the leader of a defeated nation in a war, he must have been very much delighted," Abe said.

That story drew loud cheers from the audience, and Abe established an instant connect with India.

Abe's first term as prime minister ended rather abruptly. He resigned within a year due to health reasons.

He returned in 2012, and encouraged deeper ties with India. He found an ally in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In 2014, he began focussing on building a strong relationship with India, Australia and ASEAN nations.

In 2014, Abe was the first Japanese prime minister to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest.&nbsp;

As the prime minister, Abe has visited India four times, but, perhaps, the most memorable one was in 2015.

In 2015, Abe visited PM Modi's constitutency Varanasi to witness the Ganga Aarti.

India also signed an agreement with Japan to built its first bullet train -- a project that will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a high speed rail line.

Both sides finalised more bilateral agrements in the following years.

During Modi's visit to Japan in 2016, ten more agreements and MoUs were signed. And in 2018, 32 agreements were signed during the Japan-India annual summit.

As a result, direct investment from Japan to India has gone up -- from a little more than 2 billion dollars in 2014 to well over 3.5 billion dollars in 2018.

The two countries are also expanding military cooperation.

India and Japan are supposed to hold a virtual summit next month, where both leaders were supposed to sign a key military logistics pact -- a pact to strengthen the quad alliance between the United States, Australia, Japan and India.

For as long as Abe was in office, he advocated for the quad, pitching it as an effective counter to chinese aggression.

India can now only hope that his successor is as committed to the relationship as Abe was.

Shinzo Abe returned as Japan prime minister for a rare second term in December 2012, pledging to revive growth with his "Abenomics" mix of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms.

Shinzo Abe returned as Japan prime minister for a rare second term in December 2012, pledging to revive growth with his "Abenomics" mix of hyper-easy monetary policy, government spending and reforms. He also pledged to beef up Japan's defence and revise the constitution. He was then called the "comeback kid". Eight years later, when he resigns from office over health issues, he has cemented his place in history books. And he leaves behind a rich legacy, especially when it comes to Japan's relationship with India. In 1957, the then prime minister of Japan, Nobusuke Kishi was accorded a warm welcome by India and the then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru who had thrown him a grand reception. Nobusuke Kishi was then the leader of a nation defeated in World War II, and was touched. Upon returning to Japan, he narrated his experiences to his young grandson -- Shinzo Abe. He many years later recalled the episode before Indian parliamentarians in New Delhi. "Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru brought my grandfather to an outdoor 'civic reception' at which tens of thousands of people had gathered. He introduced him to a crowd energetically saying, 'This is the prime minister of Japan, a country I hold in the greatest esteem.' "This is a story I heard as a little boy from my grandfather. As the leader of a defeated nation in a war, he must have been very much delighted," Abe said. That story drew loud cheers from the audience, and Abe established an instant connect with India. Abe's first term as prime minister ended rather abruptly. He resigned within a year due to health reasons. He returned in 2012, and encouraged deeper ties with India. He found an ally in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2014, he began focussing on building a strong relationship with India, Australia and ASEAN nations. In 2014, Abe was the first Japanese prime minister to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest. As the prime minister, Abe has visited India four times, but, perhaps, the most memorable one was in 2015. In 2015, Abe visited PM Modi's constitutency Varanasi to witness the Ganga Aarti. India also signed an agreement with Japan to built its first bullet train -- a project that will connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad with a high speed rail line. Both sides finalised more bilateral agrements in the following years. During Modi's visit to Japan in 2016, ten more agreements and MoUs were signed. And in 2018, 32 agreements were signed during the Japan-India annual summit. As a result, direct investment from Japan to India has gone up -- from a little more than 2 billion dollars in 2014 to well over 3.5 billion dollars in 2018. The two countries are also expanding military cooperation. India and Japan are supposed to hold a virtual summit next month, where both leaders were supposed to sign a key military logistics pact -- a pact to strengthen the quad alliance between the United States, Australia, Japan and India. For as long as Abe was in office, he advocated for the quad, pitching it as an effective counter to chinese aggression. India can now only hope that his successor is as committed to the relationship as Abe was.

How Shinzo Abe strengthened India-Japan relationship

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Trump pays 'highest respect' to resigning Japanese Prime Minister Abe US President Donald Trump on Friday paid his "highest respect" to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and voiced concern over his "great friend" resigning for health reasons | READ MORE Pakistan jails three accused of financing Mumbai attacks A court in Pakistan has sentenced to prison three leaders of Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a militant organisation accused by India and the United States of masterminding the 2008 attacks in Mumbai | READ MORE Chinese national arrested in US probe of possible transfer of software to Beijing A Chinese national has been arrested and charged with destroying a computer hard drive during an FBI investigation into the possible transfer of sensitive software to China | READ MORE Hurricane Laura slams Louisiana, kills six, but less damage than forecast Hurricane Laura tore through Louisiana on Thursday, killing six people and flattening buildings across a wide swatch of the state before moving into Arkansas with heavy rains | READ MORE Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman dies of cancer aged 43 Actor Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role in Black Panther, has died of colon cancer. He was 43 | READ MORE

Morning news brief: Trump's 'highest respect' to Shinzo Abe, Chadwick Boseman dies and more

US President Donald Trump on Friday paid his "highest respect" to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and voiced concern over his "great friend" resigning for health reasons.

"I want to pay my highest respect to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a very great friend of mine," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from a campaign rally in New Hampshire.&nbsp;

"We've had a great relationship and I just feel very badly about it, because it must be very severe for him to leave."

Trump&nbsp;said Abe loved his country very much, adding that he planned to call the Japanese leader. World leaders from all across the globe bid adieu to Abe, wished him luck for his future and health and congratulated him for his wonderful term.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-resigns-how-the-world-is-reacting-to-the-news-323702">Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news</a>

Ending weeks of speculation, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that he is stepping down for health reasons a second time.

Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

“I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe, 65, told a news conference.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622" hreflang="en">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Abe has battled the disease ulcerative colitis for years and two recent hospital visits within a week had fanned questions on whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term as ruling party leader, and hence, premier, in September 2021.

Shinzo Abe's resignation announcement has now triggered an election in his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new prime minister.

With Abe’s conservative LDP and Komeito holding a strong majority in the more powerful Lower House, whoever becomes the next LDP president will almost certainly become prime minister.

US President Donald Trump on Friday paid his "highest respect" to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and voiced concern over his "great friend" resigning for health reasons.

US President Donald Trump on Friday paid his "highest respect" to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and voiced concern over his "great friend" resigning for health reasons. "I want to pay my highest respect to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a very great friend of mine," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from a campaign rally in New Hampshire. "We've had a great relationship and I just feel very badly about it, because it must be very severe for him to leave." Trump said Abe loved his country very much, adding that he planned to call the Japanese leader. World leaders from all across the globe bid adieu to Abe, wished him luck for his future and health and congratulated him for his wonderful term. Also read: Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news Ending weeks of speculation, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that he is stepping down for health reasons a second time. Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health. “I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe, 65, told a news conference. Also see: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Abe has battled the disease ulcerative colitis for years and two recent hospital visits within a week had fanned questions on whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term as ruling party leader, and hence, premier, in September 2021. Shinzo Abe's resignation announcement has now triggered an election in his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new prime minister. With Abe’s conservative LDP and Komeito holding a strong majority in the more powerful Lower House, whoever becomes the next LDP president will almost certainly become prime minister.

Trump pays 'highest respect' to resigning Japanese Prime Minister Abe

It is not common to see world leaders step down from their post due to health issues. Most of times, the leaders try to hide it for as long as they can. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has broken the unsaid rule and stepped down because of his ill health.&nbsp;

A Prime Minister or a President's health is almost a state secret and any leak spells incompetence, the end of a career, and loss of trust.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622" hreflang="en">Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

In a movie&nbsp;based on Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, it was shown that a sick leader is seen as an unfit leader, and a&nbsp;person troubled by health problems loses his or her ability to make the best decisions.

However, world leaders cling to their post even in ill health and&nbsp;choose to prioritise power over people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-leaders-who-refused-to-step-down-despite-ill-health-323796/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2016, the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu died in office. Jayalalithaa was hospitalised for over two months. Though she handed over her duties to a party leader, there was no talk of officially handing over the baton. She remained the southern&nbsp;state's Chief Minister till her death.

The same year, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir died in office. His illness too was a prolonged one. He was in the ICU&nbsp;for two weeks but he held on to power till his last breath.

A lot of questions were raised about the health of Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was serving as India's 10th Prime Minister. Reports said there were two senior doctors at his door step each morning. The media repeatedly asked whether India's Prime Minister was unwell but&nbsp;there were questions about who would replace Vajpayee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-resigns-how-the-world-is-reacting-to-the-news-323702">Also read|&nbsp;Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news</a>

This is not just an Indian problem; leaders across the world have hidden their illness from the public due to the fear of being branded 'unfit'.

American President, John F Kennedy had addison's disease. It was concealed from the public and the President took his drugs secretly. Americans were also not told about Woodrow Wilson's stroke in 1919.

In 1893, Grover Cleveland needed a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his mouth and believe it or not, he did it on a friend's yacht, secretly.

French President François Mitterrand died of prostate cancer in 1996. This was a year after the end of his two terms. His doctors concealed his health condition from the french public.

Even our neighbour, Pakistan, has had similar examples. Mohammad Ali Jinnah had tuberculosis and the people of Pakistan had no clue about it. Seventy two years after his death, there is still no clarity about his health condition. Infact, Pakistan's current Prime Minister Imran Khan recently thought Jinnah had cancer, and well, he was trolled for it.

Leaders hold the lives of people in their hands, and the decisions they make have far-reaching effects. The question that these examples raise is that can leaders make the best decisions for their country and citizens when&nbsp;struggling with ill-health?

The answer can be simply given by one example: Jayalalithaa lead 77 million people and was loved by the locals of the southern state. She handled a state budget worth $27 billion. While the state loved her,&nbsp;did she do justice to her people by clinging on to power even when she was bed ridden?

This is a question for all leaders who put power over people. However,&nbsp;Shinzo Abe is a welcome exception.

It is not common to see world leaders step down from their post due to health issues. Most of times, the leaders try to hide it for as long as they can. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has broken the unsaid rule and stepped down because of his ill health.

It is not common to see world leaders step down from their post due to health issues. Most of times, the leaders try to hide it for as long as they can. However, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has broken the unsaid rule and stepped down because of his ill health. A Prime Minister or a President's health is almost a state secret and any leak spells incompetence, the end of a career, and loss of trust. Also see| Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns In a movie based on Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, it was shown that a sick leader is seen as an unfit leader, and a person troubled by health problems loses his or her ability to make the best decisions. However, world leaders cling to their post even in ill health and choose to prioritise power over people. In 2016, the Chief Minister of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu died in office. Jayalalithaa was hospitalised for over two months. Though she handed over her duties to a party leader, there was no talk of officially handing over the baton. She remained the southern state's Chief Minister till her death. The same year, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir died in office. His illness too was a prolonged one. He was in the ICU for two weeks but he held on to power till his last breath. A lot of questions were raised about the health of Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was serving as India's 10th Prime Minister. Reports said there were two senior doctors at his door step each morning. The media repeatedly asked whether India's Prime Minister was unwell but there were questions about who would replace Vajpayee. Also read| Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news This is not just an Indian problem; leaders across the world have hidden their illness from the public due to the fear of being branded 'unfit'. American President, John F Kennedy had addison's disease. It was concealed from the public and the President took his drugs secretly. Americans were also not told about Woodrow Wilson's stroke in 1919. In 1893, Grover Cleveland needed a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his mouth and believe it or not, he did it on a friend's yacht, secretly. French President François Mitterrand died of prostate cancer in 1996. This was a year after the end of his two terms. His doctors concealed his health condition from the french public. Even our neighbour, Pakistan, has had similar examples. Mohammad Ali Jinnah had tuberculosis and the people of Pakistan had no clue about it. Seventy two years after his death, there is still no clarity about his health condition. Infact, Pakistan's current Prime Minister Imran Khan recently thought Jinnah had cancer, and well, he was trolled for it. Leaders hold the lives of people in their hands, and the decisions they make have far-reaching effects. The question that these examples raise is that can leaders make the best decisions for their country and citizens when struggling with ill-health? The answer can be simply given by one example: Jayalalithaa lead 77 million people and was loved by the locals of the southern state. She handled a state budget worth $27 billion. While the state loved her, did she do justice to her people by clinging on to power even when she was bed ridden? This is a question for all leaders who put power over people. However, Shinzo Abe is a welcome exception.

Health or power: What the world leaders can learn from Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, has stepped down due to the worsening of a chronic illness, setting the stage for a leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

There are would-be successors who have declared their intention to run. But one longtime lieutenant of Abe has been humble enough to announce he doesn't want the job.

Despite this, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, 71, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister, an outcome that would extend the fiscal and monetary stimulus that defined Abe's nearly eight years in office.

In an interview with Reuters this week, Suga stressed the need to spur economic growth over tightening restrictions to contain the virus, pointing to the need to promote tourism.

"We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said at his parliamentary office, where a large photograph of him standing next to US President Donald Trump was on display.

A self-made politician, Suga was chosen by Abe in 2012 for the pivotal role of chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and riding herd on bureaucrats.

The winner of the LDP vote, which domestic media said could be held around September 15, is virtually ensured the premiership because of the party's majority in parliament. The victor will serve out Abe's remaining term as LDP chief, which ends in September 2021.

Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor. 
Still, the veteran lawmaker has an image more as a behind-the-scenes operator than a frontline leader.

Other than him, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 63, a soft-spoken security hawk who aims to revive Japan's regional economies, is also expected to run. A long-time Abe critic, Ishiba is popular with the public but less so among party members of parliament.

Ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida, 63, long seen as Abe's favoured heir, said on Friday he would run in the party poll, but the dovish lawmaker from Hiroshima has struggled to gain traction with voters.

Dark-horse potential candidates include Defence Minster Taro Kono, 56, who has an image as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, 64, who has a reputation as a tough negotiator.

Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is popular but at 39 seen by many as too young.

Usually, a leadership vote is held by LDP MPs along with grassroots party members. 
In case of a sudden resignation, however, an extraordinary vote can be called with participants narrowed to MPs and representatives of the party's local chapters.

What format party executives pick to choose their next leader will have a big impact on the outcome. A decision is expected on Tuesday.

(with inputs from Reuters)

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, has stepped down due to the worsening of a chronic illness, setting the stage for a leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving premier, has stepped down due to the worsening of a chronic illness, setting the stage for a leadership election within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). There are would-be successors who have declared their intention to run. But one longtime lieutenant of Abe has been humble enough to announce he doesn't want the job. Despite this, loyalist Yoshihide Suga, 71, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Abe as the prime minister, an outcome that would extend the fiscal and monetary stimulus that defined Abe's nearly eight years in office. In an interview with Reuters this week, Suga stressed the need to spur economic growth over tightening restrictions to contain the virus, pointing to the need to promote tourism. "We need to consider what we can do to prevent the economy from falling off a cliff," Suga said at his parliamentary office, where a large photograph of him standing next to US President Donald Trump was on display. A self-made politician, Suga was chosen by Abe in 2012 for the pivotal role of chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and riding herd on bureaucrats. The winner of the LDP vote, which domestic media said could be held around September 15, is virtually ensured the premiership because of the party's majority in parliament. The victor will serve out Abe's remaining term as LDP chief, which ends in September 2021. Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor. Still, the veteran lawmaker has an image more as a behind-the-scenes operator than a frontline leader. Other than him, former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 63, a soft-spoken security hawk who aims to revive Japan's regional economies, is also expected to run. A long-time Abe critic, Ishiba is popular with the public but less so among party members of parliament. Ex-foreign minister Fumio Kishida, 63, long seen as Abe's favoured heir, said on Friday he would run in the party poll, but the dovish lawmaker from Hiroshima has struggled to gain traction with voters. Dark-horse potential candidates include Defence Minster Taro Kono, 56, who has an image as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, 64, who has a reputation as a tough negotiator. Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is popular but at 39 seen by many as too young. Usually, a leadership vote is held by LDP MPs along with grassroots party members. In case of a sudden resignation, however, an extraordinary vote can be called with participants narrowed to MPs and representatives of the party's local chapters. What format party executives pick to choose their next leader will have a big impact on the outcome. A decision is expected on Tuesday. (with inputs from Reuters)

Race to replace Japan PM Abe: Loyalist Suga emerges as strong contender

Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns

Shinzo Abe is the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan. He is the man&nbsp;who has shaped the destiny of Japan for the better part of this decade is resigning from the Prime Minister's office due to health reasons.

Shinzo Abe's term in office would have ended in September 2021, but he will not be completing it as his&nbsp;health has come in his way.

His decision ends intense speculation over his political future. In a span of one week, Abe visited the hospital twice. The visits triggered questions over his health.

WION had earlier questioned if Shinzo Abe is fit to be in office, and today&nbsp;the Japanese Prime Minister put the question and the speculation to rest. He is suffering from a relapse of ulcerative colitis. This is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract of the body.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-resigns-how-the-world-is-reacting-to-the-news-323702">Also read|&nbsp;Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news</a>

"I needed to fight against the disease and be treated and I was not really in a perfect state in terms of health conditions and still I had to make important political decisions. I cannot make any mistakes in terms of important decision-making. The support of the public - I needed to respond to this with confidence. I cannot do this and I made a decision to not continue my job as the prime minister," he said.

This is a disease that Abe has lived with since he was a teenager. It is a chronic condition that led to his first resignation in 2007.

Reports say, Shinzo Abe will now receive treatment with a new and promising drug.

India's Prime Minister Modi sent his best wishes through this tweet. "Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend&nbsp;@AbeShinzo"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery. <a href="https://t.co/JjziLay2gD">pic.twitter.com/JjziLay2gD</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1299329663144132609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Abe's decision effectively means that he will exit public life. He is Japan's longest serving Prime Minister. Abe has been in office since almost eight years now as took over the office in 2012.Before Abe, Japan saw&nbsp;six Prime Ministers in six years.

In the eight years that he has been the PM, Abe has done a lot. He oversaw Japan's recovery from a devastating earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear disaster. He introduced stimulus policies to revive the economy. These measures led to the nickname "Abenomics'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/health-or-power-what-the-world-leaders-can-learn-from-japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-323767">Also read|&nbsp;Health or power: What the world leaders can learn from Japanese PM Shinzo Abe</a>

Under Shinzo Abe, Japan made defence expenditure a priority. In 2017, he scrapped the rule that restricted defence spending to just one per cent of the GDP. Under him, Japan's defence budget has shot up by 13 per cent.

Abe's end game was, of course, to revise Japan's pacifist constitution — a&nbsp;constitution that forbids the use of force as a means to settle international disputes. It forbids Japan from maintaining its own defence forces.

Japan doesn't have an army and Abe wanted to change that. However, the plan may have to wait now.

Abe's another accomplishment is working with Donald Trump. It's quite an achievement as most world leaders have struggled on this front. However,&nbsp;Abe has kept the boat steady. As North Korea tested more missiles, Japan became a closer strategic partner of the US. Abe had his moments with President Trump, though. In 2017, Trump gave a memorable handshake which was hugely trolled.

Abe's future

Shinzo Abe will remain in office until a successor is chosen. His announcement has led to a vote in his party, the liberal democratic party.

Next Tuesday, they will decide how to hold an internal election to find Abe's replacement. After that, there will be a parliamentary vote to elect the new Prime Minister.

Some names are already doing the rounds. The first one is Taro Aso, the Finance Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Japan. He is a&nbsp;core member of team Abe and a political royalty. Just like Abe,&nbsp;he too is the grandson of a former Premier.

The next name on the list is Shigeru Ishiba, a former Defence Minister known for his hawkish policy stands. He had defeated abe in the first round of the party presidential election in 2012, but&nbsp;he lost the second round.

Contender number three is Fumio Kishida who served&nbsp;as the Foreign Minister under Abe from 2012 to 2017. Reports say he was less keen on revising the pacifist status of Japan's constitution.

Shinzo Abe is the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan. He is the man who has shaped the destiny of Japan for the better part of this decade is resigning from the Prime Minister's office due to health reasons.

Shinzo Abe is the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan. He is the man who has shaped the destiny of Japan for the better part of this decade is resigning from the Prime Minister's office due to health reasons. Shinzo Abe's term in office would have ended in September 2021, but he will not be completing it as his health has come in his way. His decision ends intense speculation over his political future. In a span of one week, Abe visited the hospital twice. The visits triggered questions over his health. WION had earlier questioned if Shinzo Abe is fit to be in office, and today the Japanese Prime Minister put the question and the speculation to rest. He is suffering from a relapse of ulcerative colitis. This is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract of the body. Also read| Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news "I needed to fight against the disease and be treated and I was not really in a perfect state in terms of health conditions and still I had to make important political decisions. I cannot make any mistakes in terms of important decision-making. The support of the public - I needed to respond to this with confidence. I cannot do this and I made a decision to not continue my job as the prime minister," he said. This is a disease that Abe has lived with since he was a teenager. It is a chronic condition that led to his first resignation in 2007. Reports say, Shinzo Abe will now receive treatment with a new and promising drug. India's Prime Minister Modi sent his best wishes through this tweet. "Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend @AbeShinzo" Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend @AbeShinzo. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/JjziLay2gD — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2020 × Abe's decision effectively means that he will exit public life. He is Japan's longest serving Prime Minister. Abe has been in office since almost eight years now as took over the office in 2012.Before Abe, Japan saw six Prime Ministers in six years. In the eight years that he has been the PM, Abe has done a lot. He oversaw Japan's recovery from a devastating earthquake, a tsunami and a nuclear disaster. He introduced stimulus policies to revive the economy. These measures led to the nickname "Abenomics'. Also read| Health or power: What the world leaders can learn from Japanese PM Shinzo Abe Under Shinzo Abe, Japan made defence expenditure a priority. In 2017, he scrapped the rule that restricted defence spending to just one per cent of the GDP. Under him, Japan's defence budget has shot up by 13 per cent. Abe's end game was, of course, to revise Japan's pacifist constitution — a constitution that forbids the use of force as a means to settle international disputes. It forbids Japan from maintaining its own defence forces. Japan doesn't have an army and Abe wanted to change that. However, the plan may have to wait now. Abe's another accomplishment is working with Donald Trump. It's quite an achievement as most world leaders have struggled on this front. However, Abe has kept the boat steady. As North Korea tested more missiles, Japan became a closer strategic partner of the US. Abe had his moments with President Trump, though. In 2017, Trump gave a memorable handshake which was hugely trolled. Abe's future Shinzo Abe will remain in office until a successor is chosen. His announcement has led to a vote in his party, the liberal democratic party. Next Tuesday, they will decide how to hold an internal election to find Abe's replacement. After that, there will be a parliamentary vote to elect the new Prime Minister. Some names are already doing the rounds. The first one is Taro Aso, the Finance Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Japan. He is a core member of team Abe and a political royalty. Just like Abe, he too is the grandson of a former Premier. The next name on the list is Shigeru Ishiba, a former Defence Minister known for his hawkish policy stands. He had defeated abe in the first round of the party presidential election in 2012, but he lost the second round. Contender number three is Fumio Kishida who served as the Foreign Minister under Abe from 2012 to 2017. Reports say he was less keen on revising the pacifist status of Japan's constitution.

Shinzo Abe: A successful story of a successful leader

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the nation's longest serving premier, on Friday resigned due to health reasons. He said the decision to step down was his alone.

Abe believes his health will hold up until a successor is chosen, he said on Friday.

Here is how some international leaders and businesspersons reacted to the news:

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

Modi said on Twitter: "Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend&nbsp;@AbeShinzo. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery."

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Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery. <a href="https://t.co/JjziLay2gD">pic.twitter.com/JjziLay2gD</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1299329663144132609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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BRITISH PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON

"@AbeShinzo has achieved great things as PM of Japan - for his country and the world," Johnson said on Twitter.

"Under his stewardship the UK-Japan relationship has gone from strength to strength in trade, defence and our cultural links. Thank you for all your years of service and I wish you good health."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> has achieved great things as PM of Japan - for his country and the world. Under his stewardship the UK-Japan relationship has gone from strength to strength in trade, defence and our cultural links. Thank you for all your years of service and I wish you good health.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1299278676601778176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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AUSTRALIA

"Australia is thankful for the true friend we have had in Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister of Japan. His leadership, wisdom, generosity and vision have championed the cause of peace, freedom and prosperity in our region and the world more broadly," wrote Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Twitter.

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Australia is thankful for the true friend we have had in Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister of Japan. His leadership, wisdom, generosity and vision have championed the cause of peace, freedom and prosperity in our region and the world more broadly. <a href="https://t.co/GCdRo371ru">pic.twitter.com/GCdRo371ru</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1299268325172625408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jenny and I wish Shinzo and Akie well, and all the best for his health. Shinzo Abe has given his all to the service of his country and left a legacy for Japan and the world that he can be truly proud of.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1299268330549772288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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RUSSIA

The Kremlin regrets that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to step down, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, describing the working relations between Abe and President Vladimir Putin as 'brilliant'.

TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN

“Prime Minister Abe was always friendly to Taiwan, whether on policy or the rights and interests of Taiwan’s people – he was extremely positive. We value his friendly feelings towards Taiwan and hope he is healthy.”

SOUTH KOREA - PRESIDENTIAL BLUE HOUSE SPOKESMAN KANG MIN-SEOK

"We regret the sudden resignation announcement of Prime Minister Abe, who has left many meaningful achievements as Japan`s longest-serving prime minister, and has also especially played a large role for development in South Korea and Japan`s bilateral relations.

"We wish the prime minister a quick recovery. Our government will continue cooperation with the new prime minister and the new cabinet for improved ties with Japan."

KWONG TAE-SHIN, VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF KOREAN INDUSTRIES, A SOUTH KOREAN BUSINESS LOBBY GROUP

"President Moon Jae-in and Abe do not have good personal relationship, which contributed to adverse bilateral ties. When a new leader takes office in Japan, he can give momentum to improving bilateral relations. The two countries acknowledge that unnecessary diplomatic and trade conflicts would not help each other at a time when COVID -19 further adds difficulty to trade and business activities globally."

MARCUS SCHURMANN, CEO, GERMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN JAPAN

“He did a lot of good with regards just to the fact that he was one of the key promoters for multilateralism and free trade and did a lot to move to Japan back onto the world stage. Japan recovered the visibility and recognition the third-largest economy in the world deserves.

“We have FTAs and he also tackled a lot of difficult problems. Just thinking about relations with China, relations also with Russia, and also the difficult relationship with the U.S. at least since Trump came into power.

"I do not want to say he failed, but at least what is an unsolved problem is the relationship was Korea. I think that`s the kind of problem which his successor has to work on.

“He succeeded in bringing the Olympics to Tokyo. I think this is also a major achievement we should not forget.”

(with inputs from agencies)

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the nation's longest serving premier, on Friday resigned due to health reasons. He said the decision to step down was his alone.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the nation's longest serving premier, on Friday resigned due to health reasons. He said the decision to step down was his alone. Abe believes his health will hold up until a successor is chosen, he said on Friday. Here is how some international leaders and businesspersons reacted to the news: INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI Modi said on Twitter: "Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend @AbeShinzo. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery." Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend @AbeShinzo. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/JjziLay2gD — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2020 × BRITISH PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON "@AbeShinzo has achieved great things as PM of Japan - for his country and the world," Johnson said on Twitter. "Under his stewardship the UK-Japan relationship has gone from strength to strength in trade, defence and our cultural links. Thank you for all your years of service and I wish you good health." .@AbeShinzo has achieved great things as PM of Japan - for his country and the world. Under his stewardship the UK-Japan relationship has gone from strength to strength in trade, defence and our cultural links. Thank you for all your years of service and I wish you good health. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 28, 2020 × AUSTRALIA "Australia is thankful for the true friend we have had in Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister of Japan. His leadership, wisdom, generosity and vision have championed the cause of peace, freedom and prosperity in our region and the world more broadly," wrote Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Twitter. Australia is thankful for the true friend we have had in Shinzo Abe as Prime Minister of Japan. His leadership, wisdom, generosity and vision have championed the cause of peace, freedom and prosperity in our region and the world more broadly. pic.twitter.com/GCdRo371ru — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) August 28, 2020 × Jenny and I wish Shinzo and Akie well, and all the best for his health. Shinzo Abe has given his all to the service of his country and left a legacy for Japan and the world that he can be truly proud of. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) August 28, 2020 × RUSSIA The Kremlin regrets that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to step down, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, describing the working relations between Abe and President Vladimir Putin as 'brilliant'. TAIWAN PRESIDENT TSAI ING-WEN “Prime Minister Abe was always friendly to Taiwan, whether on policy or the rights and interests of Taiwan’s people – he was extremely positive. We value his friendly feelings towards Taiwan and hope he is healthy.” SOUTH KOREA - PRESIDENTIAL BLUE HOUSE SPOKESMAN KANG MIN-SEOK "We regret the sudden resignation announcement of Prime Minister Abe, who has left many meaningful achievements as Japan`s longest-serving prime minister, and has also especially played a large role for development in South Korea and Japan`s bilateral relations. "We wish the prime minister a quick recovery. Our government will continue cooperation with the new prime minister and the new cabinet for improved ties with Japan." KWONG TAE-SHIN, VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION OF KOREAN INDUSTRIES, A SOUTH KOREAN BUSINESS LOBBY GROUP "President Moon Jae-in and Abe do not have good personal relationship, which contributed to adverse bilateral ties. When a new leader takes office in Japan, he can give momentum to improving bilateral relations. The two countries acknowledge that unnecessary diplomatic and trade conflicts would not help each other at a time when COVID -19 further adds difficulty to trade and business activities globally." MARCUS SCHURMANN, CEO, GERMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN JAPAN “He did a lot of good with regards just to the fact that he was one of the key promoters for multilateralism and free trade and did a lot to move to Japan back onto the world stage. Japan recovered the visibility and recognition the third-largest economy in the world deserves. “We have FTAs and he also tackled a lot of difficult problems. Just thinking about relations with China, relations also with Russia, and also the difficult relationship with the U.S. at least since Trump came into power. "I do not want to say he failed, but at least what is an unsolved problem is the relationship was Korea. I think that`s the kind of problem which his successor has to work on. “He succeeded in bringing the Olympics to Tokyo. I think this is also a major achievement we should not forget.” (with inputs from agencies)

Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news

Ending weeks of speculation, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that he is stepping down for health reasons a second time.

Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-over-health-concerns-323582">Also read | Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns</a> 
 
“I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe, 65, told a news conference. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-abe-resigns-how-the-world-is-reacting-to-the-news-323702">Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news</a> 
 
Abe has battled the disease ulcerative colitis for years and two recent hospital visits within a week had fanned questions on whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term as ruling party leader, and hence, premier, in September 2021.

Shinzo Abe's resignation announcement has now triggered an election in his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new prime minister.

With Abe’s conservative LDP and Komeito holding a strong majority in the more powerful Lower House, whoever becomes the next LDP president will almost certainly become prime minister.

Abe and his cabinet would continue to run the government until a new premier is elected but could not adopt new policies. The winner of the party election would then hold the post until the end of Abe's LDP term in September 2021. The new party president is virtually assured the premiership, since the party has a majority in parliament's lower house.

Usually, the party must announce the election for its leader a month in advance, and its MPs vote along with grassroots members. In case of a sudden resignation, however, an extraordinary vote must be called "at the soonest date possible" with participants narrowed to MPs and representatives of the party's local chapters.

Here are details of some likely contenders to take the helm: 
 
TARO ASO 
 
Finance minister Aso, 79, who also doubles as deputy prime minister, has been a core member of Abe's administration. Without a clear consensus on who should succeed Abe, LDP lawmakers could elect Aso as a temporary leader if Abe resigns.

In 2008, Aso was elected LDP leader and hence, premier, in hopes that he could revive the long-dominant party's fortunes. Instead, the LDP was ousted in a historic election defeat in 2009, languishing in the opposition for the next three years.

The grandson of a former premier, Aso mixes policy experience with a fondness for manga comics and a tendency towards gaffes.

SHIGERU ISHIBA 
 
A hawkish former defence minister and rare LDP critic of Abe, Ishiba, 63, regularly tops surveys of lawmakers whom voters want to see as the next premier, but is less popular with the party's lawmakers.

The soft-spoken security maven has also held portfolios for agriculture and reviving local economies.

He defeated Abe in the first round of a party presidential election in 2012, thanks to strong grassroots support, but lost in the second round when only MPs could vote. Then, in a 2018 party leadership poll, Ishiba lost heavily to Abe.

He has criticised the Bank of Japan's ultra-low interest rates for hurting regional banks and called for higher public works spending to remedy growing inequality.

FUMIO KISHIDA

Kishida, 63, served as foreign minister under Abe from 2012 to 2017, but diplomacy remained mainly in the prime minister's grip.

The low-key lawmaker from Hiroshima has been widely seen as Abe's preferred successor but ranks low in voter surveys.

Kishida hails from one of the party's more dovish factions and is seen as less keen on revising the post-war constitution's pacifist Article 9 than Abe, for whom it is a cherished goal.

The BOJ's hyper-easy monetary policy "cannot go on forever," Kishida has said.

 
TARO KONO

Defence Minister Taro Kono, 56, has a reputation as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, including a stern stance in a feud with South Korea over wartime history.

Educated at Georgetown University and a fluent English speaker, he previously served as foreign minister and minister for administrative reform.

He has differentiated his conservative stances from those of his father, former chief cabinet secretary Yohei Kono, who authored a landmark 1993 apology to "comfort women", a euphemism for women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels.

YOSHIHIDE SUGA

Suga, 71, a self-made politician and loyal lieutenant since Abe's troubled term as premier in 2006 and 2007, was among a band of allies who pushed Abe to run again for the top post in 2012.

Back in office, Abe tapped Suga as chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and keeping bureaucrats in line.

Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor.

Suga's clout was dented somewhat by scandals that toppled two cabinet ministers close to him last October.

SHINJIRO KOIZUMI

The name of Koizumi, 39, now environment minister and the son of charismatic former premier Junichiro Koizumi, is often floated as a future premier, but many consider him too young.

He shares some of Abe's conservative views and has paid his respects at Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine for war dead.

Koizumi has projected a reforming image on the basis of efforts to cut Japan's backing for coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, but has typically taken care not to offend party elders.

TOSHIMITSU MOTEGI

Currently foreign minister, Motegi, 64, previously served as economy minister, facing off with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in tough negotiations.

He also served as trade minister post under Abe when the latter returned to power in 2012, tackling talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.

Educated at the University of Tokyo and Harvard, Motegi was first elected to the lower house in 1993 from the then-opposition Japan New Party and joined the LDP in 1995.

KATSUNOBU KATO, YASUTOSHI NISHIMURA

As health minister, Kato, 64, was in the limelight in the early days of Japan's coronavirus outbreak but then Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, 57, a former trade official, emerged as point person on virus policy.

In 2015, Kato, a father of four, was handed the portfolio for boosting Japan's rock-bottom birth rate, a task that met little success. He is a former official of the finance ministry.

SEIKO NODA

Noda, 59, has made no secret of her desire to become Japan's first female premier. An Abe critic, the former internal affairs minister, who also held the portfolio for women's empowerment, fell short of backing to join the race for party leader in 2018. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

Ending weeks of speculation, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that he is stepping down for health reasons a second time. Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

Ending weeks of speculation, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that he is stepping down for health reasons a second time. Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health. Also read | Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns “I cannot be prime minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post,” Abe, 65, told a news conference. Japan PM Abe resigns: How the world is reacting to the news Abe has battled the disease ulcerative colitis for years and two recent hospital visits within a week had fanned questions on whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term as ruling party leader, and hence, premier, in September 2021. Shinzo Abe's resignation announcement has now triggered an election in his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to replace him as its president, followed by a vote in parliament to elect a new prime minister. With Abe’s conservative LDP and Komeito holding a strong majority in the more powerful Lower House, whoever becomes the next LDP president will almost certainly become prime minister. Abe and his cabinet would continue to run the government until a new premier is elected but could not adopt new policies. The winner of the party election would then hold the post until the end of Abe's LDP term in September 2021. The new party president is virtually assured the premiership, since the party has a majority in parliament's lower house. Usually, the party must announce the election for its leader a month in advance, and its MPs vote along with grassroots members. In case of a sudden resignation, however, an extraordinary vote must be called "at the soonest date possible" with participants narrowed to MPs and representatives of the party's local chapters. Here are details of some likely contenders to take the helm: TARO ASO Finance minister Aso, 79, who also doubles as deputy prime minister, has been a core member of Abe's administration. Without a clear consensus on who should succeed Abe, LDP lawmakers could elect Aso as a temporary leader if Abe resigns. In 2008, Aso was elected LDP leader and hence, premier, in hopes that he could revive the long-dominant party's fortunes. Instead, the LDP was ousted in a historic election defeat in 2009, languishing in the opposition for the next three years. The grandson of a former premier, Aso mixes policy experience with a fondness for manga comics and a tendency towards gaffes. SHIGERU ISHIBA A hawkish former defence minister and rare LDP critic of Abe, Ishiba, 63, regularly tops surveys of lawmakers whom voters want to see as the next premier, but is less popular with the party's lawmakers. The soft-spoken security maven has also held portfolios for agriculture and reviving local economies. He defeated Abe in the first round of a party presidential election in 2012, thanks to strong grassroots support, but lost in the second round when only MPs could vote. Then, in a 2018 party leadership poll, Ishiba lost heavily to Abe. He has criticised the Bank of Japan's ultra-low interest rates for hurting regional banks and called for higher public works spending to remedy growing inequality. FUMIO KISHIDA Kishida, 63, served as foreign minister under Abe from 2012 to 2017, but diplomacy remained mainly in the prime minister's grip. The low-key lawmaker from Hiroshima has been widely seen as Abe's preferred successor but ranks low in voter surveys. Kishida hails from one of the party's more dovish factions and is seen as less keen on revising the post-war constitution's pacifist Article 9 than Abe, for whom it is a cherished goal. The BOJ's hyper-easy monetary policy "cannot go on forever," Kishida has said. TARO KONO Defence Minister Taro Kono, 56, has a reputation as a maverick but has toed the line on key Abe policies, including a stern stance in a feud with South Korea over wartime history. Educated at Georgetown University and a fluent English speaker, he previously served as foreign minister and minister for administrative reform. He has differentiated his conservative stances from those of his father, former chief cabinet secretary Yohei Kono, who authored a landmark 1993 apology to "comfort women", a euphemism for women forced to work in Japan's wartime military brothels. YOSHIHIDE SUGA Suga, 71, a self-made politician and loyal lieutenant since Abe's troubled term as premier in 2006 and 2007, was among a band of allies who pushed Abe to run again for the top post in 2012. Back in office, Abe tapped Suga as chief cabinet secretary, acting as top government spokesman, coordinating policies and keeping bureaucrats in line. Talk of Suga as a contender bubbled up in April 2019 after he unveiled the new imperial era name, "Reiwa", for use on Japanese calendars after the enthronement of the new emperor. Suga's clout was dented somewhat by scandals that toppled two cabinet ministers close to him last October. SHINJIRO KOIZUMI The name of Koizumi, 39, now environment minister and the son of charismatic former premier Junichiro Koizumi, is often floated as a future premier, but many consider him too young. He shares some of Abe's conservative views and has paid his respects at Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine for war dead. Koizumi has projected a reforming image on the basis of efforts to cut Japan's backing for coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, but has typically taken care not to offend party elders. TOSHIMITSU MOTEGI Currently foreign minister, Motegi, 64, previously served as economy minister, facing off with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in tough negotiations. He also served as trade minister post under Abe when the latter returned to power in 2012, tackling talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. Educated at the University of Tokyo and Harvard, Motegi was first elected to the lower house in 1993 from the then-opposition Japan New Party and joined the LDP in 1995. KATSUNOBU KATO, YASUTOSHI NISHIMURA As health minister, Kato, 64, was in the limelight in the early days of Japan's coronavirus outbreak but then Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, 57, a former trade official, emerged as point person on virus policy. In 2015, Kato, a father of four, was handed the portfolio for boosting Japan's rock-bottom birth rate, a task that met little success. He is a former official of the finance ministry. SEIKO NODA Noda, 59, has made no secret of her desire to become Japan's first female premier. An Abe critic, the former internal affairs minister, who also held the portfolio for women's empowerment, fell short of backing to join the race for party leader in 2018. (With inputs from Reuters)

Who will replace Abe and when: Japan PM's resignation sparks leadership race

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s signature shock-and-awe `Abenomics` stimulus strategy was already faltering even before his decision on Friday to step down due to health reasons.

That blunt assessment by many Japan observers underlined the daunting political challenge Abe has faced in his efforts to pull the economy out of decades of economic stagnation.

And the coronavirus crisis may have just put the final nail in the coffin to his `three arrows` reform programme as the economy sinks deeper into recession, analysts say.

After sweeping to power in late 2012, Abe deployed his three arrows of Abenomics - large-scale monetary easing, fiscal spending and structural reforms - to reignite the world`s third biggest economy after years of subpar growth and falling prices.

There were some quick-hit successes.

The Bank of Japan`s "bazooka" stimulus programme lifted business sentiment and helped weaken the yen, giving exporters windfall profits that trickled down to wages and new jobs.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-over-health-concerns-323582">Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns</a>

Corporate governance reforms drew in huge amounts of overseas money, pushing up foreign ownership of Japan`s listed stocks to a record 31.7% in 2014 from 28% in 2012. It stood at 29.6% in 2019.

"We were able to end 20 years of deflation with the three arrows of Abenomics," the prime minister told a news conference on Friday announcing his resignation, when asked what he thought were his legacies.

But Abe will leave behind a pile of unfinished business for his successor.

"The focus at the moment will be on the coronavirus recovery and controlling the infection, regardless of who will be the next prime minister," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute.

"There has been talk that Abenomics has been having a harmful impact, so I think the focal point will be on suggestions how to make changes to it."

The biggest disappointment for the prime minister, and many Japan observers, is that the third-arrow reforms to reshape an economy hobbled by low productivity, a rapidly ageing population and a rigid labour market, have proved elusive.

"Abenomics has singularly failed to deliver Japan the domestic conditions that would spark higher growth beyond more reliance on external demand," said Brian Kelly, Managing Partner at Asian Century Quest.

PAYING THE PRICE

Now, Japan is paying the price as COVID-19 wipes out the short-term benefits brought by Abenomics, such as an inbound tourism boom, reflated growth and rising job availability.

Abe`s failure to entice companies to spend more on capital expenditure has given Japan Inc a huge cash-pile that served as a liquidity buffer to weather the pandemic`s shock.

But the experience may give firms an excuse to keep hoarding cash rather than spend on new business opportunities, which could stifle innovation and weigh on Japan`s potential growth - factors Abe was focussed on addressing through the third arrow.

"COVID-19 may have reassured corporate executives that cash is indeed king," said Hideo Hayakawa, a senior fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research. "My fear is that companies may feel even more inclined to save rather than spend."

Social distancing policies and other business constrains to contain the virus may cripple potential growth - already low due to slow progress in deregulating highly-protected medical and agriculture industries, and accepting more foreign workers to address chronic labour shortages.

Japan`s potential growth rate, which used to exceed 4% in the 1980s, slid near zero last year from around 1% before Abenomics began, according to BOJ estimates.

"Structural reform, or the third arrow, has been the declaring failure of Abenomics," said Samuel Tombs, chief U.K. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

"Even the government`s signature immigration reform last year was much ado about nothing, in practice."

DEFLATIONARY MINDSET

COVID-19 also dashed a grand experiment of Abenomics that aimed to turn around Japan`s "deflationary mindset," in which companies and households hold off on spending on expectations that low growth and wages will persist.

The economy stumbled to a record contraction in the second quarter that shrank nominal gross domestic product (GDP) to 507 trillion yen ($4.8 trillion), around levels marked in 2013 and far distant from Abe`s 600-trillion-yen target.

"Japan`s economy may have performed better after Abenomics, but not enough to change public sentiment dramatically," said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

"With the pandemic, we`ll likely see growth fall further. With many legacies of Abenomics wiped out, we know now there was no magic wand to fix Japan`s chronic woes," he said.

Moreover, with the BOJ having exhausted its tool-kit to achieve its elusive 2% inflation target, policymakers face the challenge of seeking to revive the economy with a dearth of ammunition.

Japan`s huge debt also limits room for big fiscal spending, which may keep any economic recovery weak, analysts say.

"Japan failed to normalise monetary and fiscal policies when the economy was in better shape," said former BOJ board member Takahide Kiuchi. "Now, it`s paying the price." ($1 = 106.6900 yen) 
&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s signature shock-and-awe `Abenomics` stimulus strategy was already faltering even before his decision on Friday to step down due to health reasons.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s signature shock-and-awe `Abenomics` stimulus strategy was already faltering even before his decision on Friday to step down due to health reasons. That blunt assessment by many Japan observers underlined the daunting political challenge Abe has faced in his efforts to pull the economy out of decades of economic stagnation. And the coronavirus crisis may have just put the final nail in the coffin to his `three arrows` reform programme as the economy sinks deeper into recession, analysts say. After sweeping to power in late 2012, Abe deployed his three arrows of Abenomics - large-scale monetary easing, fiscal spending and structural reforms - to reignite the world`s third biggest economy after years of subpar growth and falling prices. There were some quick-hit successes. The Bank of Japan`s "bazooka" stimulus programme lifted business sentiment and helped weaken the yen, giving exporters windfall profits that trickled down to wages and new jobs. Also Read: Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns Corporate governance reforms drew in huge amounts of overseas money, pushing up foreign ownership of Japan`s listed stocks to a record 31.7% in 2014 from 28% in 2012. It stood at 29.6% in 2019. "We were able to end 20 years of deflation with the three arrows of Abenomics," the prime minister told a news conference on Friday announcing his resignation, when asked what he thought were his legacies. But Abe will leave behind a pile of unfinished business for his successor. "The focus at the moment will be on the coronavirus recovery and controlling the infection, regardless of who will be the next prime minister," said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. "There has been talk that Abenomics has been having a harmful impact, so I think the focal point will be on suggestions how to make changes to it." The biggest disappointment for the prime minister, and many Japan observers, is that the third-arrow reforms to reshape an economy hobbled by low productivity, a rapidly ageing population and a rigid labour market, have proved elusive. "Abenomics has singularly failed to deliver Japan the domestic conditions that would spark higher growth beyond more reliance on external demand," said Brian Kelly, Managing Partner at Asian Century Quest. PAYING THE PRICE Now, Japan is paying the price as COVID-19 wipes out the short-term benefits brought by Abenomics, such as an inbound tourism boom, reflated growth and rising job availability. Abe`s failure to entice companies to spend more on capital expenditure has given Japan Inc a huge cash-pile that served as a liquidity buffer to weather the pandemic`s shock. But the experience may give firms an excuse to keep hoarding cash rather than spend on new business opportunities, which could stifle innovation and weigh on Japan`s potential growth - factors Abe was focussed on addressing through the third arrow. "COVID-19 may have reassured corporate executives that cash is indeed king," said Hideo Hayakawa, a senior fellow at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research. "My fear is that companies may feel even more inclined to save rather than spend." Social distancing policies and other business constrains to contain the virus may cripple potential growth - already low due to slow progress in deregulating highly-protected medical and agriculture industries, and accepting more foreign workers to address chronic labour shortages. Japan`s potential growth rate, which used to exceed 4% in the 1980s, slid near zero last year from around 1% before Abenomics began, according to BOJ estimates. "Structural reform, or the third arrow, has been the declaring failure of Abenomics," said Samuel Tombs, chief U.K. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. "Even the government`s signature immigration reform last year was much ado about nothing, in practice." DEFLATIONARY MINDSET COVID-19 also dashed a grand experiment of Abenomics that aimed to turn around Japan`s "deflationary mindset," in which companies and households hold off on spending on expectations that low growth and wages will persist. The economy stumbled to a record contraction in the second quarter that shrank nominal gross domestic product (GDP) to 507 trillion yen ($4.8 trillion), around levels marked in 2013 and far distant from Abe`s 600-trillion-yen target. "Japan`s economy may have performed better after Abenomics, but not enough to change public sentiment dramatically," said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. "With the pandemic, we`ll likely see growth fall further. With many legacies of Abenomics wiped out, we know now there was no magic wand to fix Japan`s chronic woes," he said. Moreover, with the BOJ having exhausted its tool-kit to achieve its elusive 2% inflation target, policymakers face the challenge of seeking to revive the economy with a dearth of ammunition. Japan`s huge debt also limits room for big fiscal spending, which may keep any economic recovery weak, analysts say. "Japan failed to normalise monetary and fiscal policies when the economy was in better shape," said former BOJ board member Takahide Kiuchi. "Now, it`s paying the price." ($1 = 106.6900 yen)

Abenomics fails to deliver as Japan braces for post-Abe era

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/possible-successors-stack-up-as-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-resigns-323622">In Pics:&nbsp;Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns</a>

Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

"For eight years I controlled my disease, now the disease has surfaced again. I need to have continuous drug administered now, and I can't lose focus," he said during a television address.

"I need to fight against the disease and concentrate. I have to make a political decision."

"I can't make any mistake in decision-making, and have decided to step down as PM," Abe declared.

"13 years ago my chronic disease appeared, then we had a new drug and then I was ready to come back to politics, I focussed on my job for the next eight years," he said, adding,"this year in my medical tests doctors said the signs of disease had emerged again."

"I am taking a new drug, the efficacy of drugs was confirmed, but needed to be regular in my drug regimen. I was not in perfect health condition," Abe added.

"I have one year to my tenure, I would like to send my apologies to the people of Japan, before the next PM is appointed, the onus will be on me."

"We are going to have new policies and measures, before he or she is appointed, I would take the onus," Abe declared.

Abe reportedly suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index closed down more than 1.4 per cent on Friday after reports said Shizo Abe was to resign over health reasons.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns. In Pics: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 66, resigned today over health concerns. In Pics: Possible successors stack up as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns Shinzo Abe had earlier made two trips to the hospital amid speculation over his health. "For eight years I controlled my disease, now the disease has surfaced again. I need to have continuous drug administered now, and I can't lose focus," he said during a television address. "I need to fight against the disease and concentrate. I have to make a political decision." "I can't make any mistake in decision-making, and have decided to step down as PM," Abe declared. "13 years ago my chronic disease appeared, then we had a new drug and then I was ready to come back to politics, I focussed on my job for the next eight years," he said, adding,"this year in my medical tests doctors said the signs of disease had emerged again." "I am taking a new drug, the efficacy of drugs was confirmed, but needed to be regular in my drug regimen. I was not in perfect health condition," Abe added. "I have one year to my tenure, I would like to send my apologies to the people of Japan, before the next PM is appointed, the onus will be on me." "We are going to have new policies and measures, before he or she is appointed, I would take the onus," Abe declared. Abe reportedly suffers from an inflammatory bowel condition. Meanwhile, Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei index closed down more than 1.4 per cent on Friday after reports said Shizo Abe was to resign over health reasons.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns over health concerns

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health.

To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday.

The statements have further fueled up rumours surrounding Abe's health, which started when the PM recently visited the hospital for more than seven hours, without revealing the reason behind the visit. Abe, who has earlier struggled with&nbsp;ulcerative colitis, said the visit for a general medical check-up as he simply wants to take care of himself.

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Abe's close aids and his ministers have, at several instances, claimed that the leader has been working very hard during the pandemic and therefore looked very tired. Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura claimed that Abe, now, looked "very well" on Tuesday and "gave us various instructions in the usual manner”.

“We want him to continue to look after his health and show us his leadership,” she continued.

Abe has been at the post of Prime Minister since 2012. This is his second term, as the first term was short-lived in 2007 due to his struggles with ulcerative colitis. However, the Prime Minister has been keeping the health issue under control with the help of doctor-prescribed medication.

Now, two weeks ago, the concerns about his health resurfaced after&nbsp;Abe was spotted entering Tokyo's Keio University Hospital — a visit that lasted more than seven hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/speculations-arise-as-shinzo-abe-spotted-in-hospital-for-second-time-in-a-week-322843">Also read:&nbsp;Speculations arise as Shinzo Abe spotted in hospital for second time in a week</a>

At that time,&nbsp;Akira Amari, Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party`s tax panel, had said that Abe has been suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work for coronavirus relief for Japanese citizens.&nbsp;"I want him to take a break," Amari had told local media. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break."

Abe is set to hold a press conference on Friday, and reports suggest he might clear the air about his health. He will be staying silent on the subject till then, local media reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health. To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has visited hospital twice in the past two weeks, and that has sparked concerns and rumours about his health. To add to the rumours, three anonymous sources, close to the PM, have revealed that Abe will be consulting a team of doctors once, before facing the media for a conference due to be held on Friday. The statements have further fueled up rumours surrounding Abe's health, which started when the PM recently visited the hospital for more than seven hours, without revealing the reason behind the visit. Abe, who has earlier struggled with ulcerative colitis, said the visit for a general medical check-up as he simply wants to take care of himself. × Abe's close aids and his ministers have, at several instances, claimed that the leader has been working very hard during the pandemic and therefore looked very tired. Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura claimed that Abe, now, looked "very well" on Tuesday and "gave us various instructions in the usual manner”. “We want him to continue to look after his health and show us his leadership,” she continued. Abe has been at the post of Prime Minister since 2012. This is his second term, as the first term was short-lived in 2007 due to his struggles with ulcerative colitis. However, the Prime Minister has been keeping the health issue under control with the help of doctor-prescribed medication. Now, two weeks ago, the concerns about his health resurfaced after Abe was spotted entering Tokyo's Keio University Hospital — a visit that lasted more than seven hours. Also read: Speculations arise as Shinzo Abe spotted in hospital for second time in a week At that time, Akira Amari, Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party`s tax panel, had said that Abe has been suffering from fatigue because of his continuous work for coronavirus relief for Japanese citizens. "I want him to take a break," Amari had told local media. "He has a strong sense of responsibility and feels it's wrong to take a break." Abe is set to hold a press conference on Friday, and reports suggest he might clear the air about his health. He will be staying silent on the subject till then, local media reported.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to consult doctors before facing media on Friday

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