Speculation about the health of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has resurfaced after footage of her appearing unsteady at a public event was broadcast nationwide. Her chronic rheumatoid arthritis and possible accumulated fatigue have been cited as factors, with concerns mounting both inside and outside Japan's political circles.
According to Japan's Nippon TV on Wednesday, Takaichi appeared unstable on Friday at the prime minister's office in Tokyo while receiving a policy proposal from officials of the Liberal Democratic Party's foreign resident policy headquarters. She walked slowly as she entered the reception room and was seen struggling to maintain her balance. During a commemorative photo session, her hands and legs trembled and her body swayed, and she received help from those around her to steady her posture. After the photo session ended, she was seen limping and struggling as she sat down.
The Japanese government has cautioned against overinterpretation. "Prime Minister Takaichi suffers from rheumatism and has an artificial joint inserted in one leg," a government official told local media, adding that "these symptoms may not be unrelated to that." However, with scenes repeatedly stirring health concerns at public events, the doubts are not easily subsiding.
"I Want More Sleep": Doubts Persist for Three Months
This is not the first time speculation about her health has emerged. In March, Takaichi canceled a scheduled meeting with ambassadors from six Middle Eastern countries on the day it was due to take place, raising questions about her health. At the time, the prime minister's office explained that it was due to accumulated fatigue from overwork and cold symptoms, but with the Middle East situation in a tense phase, Japanese media interest did not easily die down.
In the following period, there were days when her arrival at the prime minister's office was later than usual or her public schedule was noticeably reduced. In April, reports emerged that Takaichi had confided to a close aide that she "wanted to sleep more," spreading health concerns once again.
Her sharp weight loss has also given rise to various speculations. Japanese weekly magazines reported that the prime minister's side is responding sensitively to her change in physique, and that talk is circulating in political circles that her suit measurements are being retaken to prepare new clothes. However, some political figures assessed that there have recently been signs of her condition somewhat recovering.
On top of this, political burdens are growing amid allegations that videos defaming a rival candidate were produced during last year's LDP presidential election and general election. As Takaichi's side has changed its explanation several times in the course of addressing the allegations, the opposition's offensive has also intensified.
Trump Faces Health Controversy Too, Highlighting Risks of Elderly Leaders
Not only in Japan but also in the United States, the health of national leaders has emerged as a major concern. U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently marked his 80th birthday, is also facing controversy over his health.
The White House dismissed health concerns, saying that Trump is keeping up a grueling schedule of meetings and phone calls late into the night. His released schedule shows meetings and calls packed in several times a day, and his activity on the social media platform Truth Social has also been shown to be very active.
However, with scenes of him closing his eyes or leaning his body repeatedly captured at public events, some continue to raise health concerns. The White House physician explained, based on the results of a recent medical checkup, that there are no problems with his ability to carry out the presidency, but interest surrounding the health risks of elderly leaders is not easily cooling.
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