Japanese Prime Minister resigns with fears declining health would affect leadership

Japan’s longest running Prime Minister has announced he will resign due to declining health, which he fears would affect his ability to lead.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced he will resign over health problems. (Photo by Franck ROBICHON / POOL / AFP)

Japan's longest running Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stepped down due to health reasons.

Mr Abe announced his decision during a press conference of Friday evening and said he feared his declining health would affect his ability to lead.

“I pull out all the stops for my job as a Prime Minister. I needed to fight against the disease and be treated, and I was not really in a perfect state in terms of health condition and, still, I have to make political decisions, important ones,” he said.

“I cannot make any mistake in terms of the important position and decisions I make.”

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was seen on a large screen giving during a live press conference in Tokyo where he made his announcement. Photo: Philip FONG AFP

Two separate hospital check-ups in last few weeks sparked concerns for his chronic health issues.

His current term is expected to finish on September 21.

There are reports Mr Abe showed signs of chronic bowel disease in a check-up in June.

“I go through treatment and I would like to regain my health again so that I can stand behind a new administration as a politician,” he said.

“For the people in Japan, I appreciate your support for about eight years.”

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

Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Twitter to say Mr Abe’s leadership, wisdom, generosity and vision “championed the cause of peace, freedom and prosperity” around the world.

“Australia and Japan have never been closer, and this is significantly due to the humility and sincerity Shinzo Abe has displayed,” he wrote.

“I’ll never forget laying a wreath side by side with him at the Darwin Cenotaph as we remembered those killed in the Japanese bombing raids on Darwin.

“This took great strength and nobility. I will miss him greatly in the role of PM as a friend and a mentor. We thank him for his special friendship and his service to Australia.

“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.”