Japanese PM injures hand, misses pre-election debate

Japanese Prime Minister and leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Sanae Takaichi, sustained a hand injury during campaigning ahead of the early lower house elections and is receiving medical treatment.

Due to the injury, Takaichi will miss the televised party leaders’ debate, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

A senior member of the party’s key political council will participate in her place.

Takaichi also confirmed on X that she injured her hand while campaigning over the past few days and has been receiving treatment.

She explained that when she shook hands with a supporter who greeted her enthusiastically, her hand was pulled hard, causing the injury.

Japan’s early lower house elections are scheduled for February 8. According to polls by leading Japanese newspapers, the LDP is well-positioned to regain its previously lost outright majority, even without counting seats from its coalition partner, the Japan Renewal Party.

Following Japanese election tradition, candidates and politicians at all levels travel across the country to give campaign speeches in city streets.

By Jeyhun Aghazada