Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe resigns

August 28: Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation citing health reasons, ending his record-breaking tenure. The 65 year old Prime Minister has suffered for many years from ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, but he said his condition had worsened recently. Last year, he became Japan’s longest serving prime minister. His current period in office began in 2012. However, he will remain in his post until a successor is chosen.

Abe said he would “firmly execute my duty to the end,” and until the next prime minister is appointed, a process that is expected to require a leadership election involving ruling party lawmakers and members. He added, “I would like to sincerely apologise to the people of Japan for leaving my post with one year left in my term of office, and amid the coronavirus woes, while various policies are still in the process of being implemented.”