Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited a hospital in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on Monday to receive medical treatment for her hand [1].
The visit highlights the physical toll of active campaigning and the management of the prime minister's chronic health condition during a high-pressure election cycle.
Takaichi arrived at the facility in the Shinanomachi district around 10 a.m. [1]. Reports on the length of her stay vary, with one source stating she remained at the hospital for approximately six and a half hours [1], while another reported a stay of about three and a half hours [2].
The injury occurred during campaign activities when a supporter pulled her hand too strongly during a handshake [1, 2]. This incident exacerbated a pre-existing condition of rheumatoid arthritis, which Takaichi has previously disclosed.
"I have a chronic condition of rheumatoid arthritis, and my hand became swollen," Takaichi said [2].
In a post on her social media account, the prime minister said she injured her hand because it was pulled strongly [1]. While one report suggests the medical examination took place on Aug. 13 [2], other records indicate the visit occurred on Aug. 17 [1].
The prime minister's team has not released further details regarding the severity of the inflammation or how the treatment may affect her upcoming public schedule. Medical staff in Shinjuku provided the necessary examinations to ensure the joint stability of her hand following the incident.
“"I have a chronic condition of rheumatoid arthritis, and my hand became swollen,"”
The public disclosure of Takaichi's rheumatoid arthritis and the subsequent injury underscores the volatility of close-contact campaigning. While the injury appears localized, the varying reports on the duration and date of her hospital visits suggest a lack of synchronized communication from the prime minister's office regarding her health status during the election period.
