Japanese Foreign Minister Michio Watanabe returned to Tokyo Over the weekend from what were described as rather tough talks in Washington with Clinton administration leaders. By Monday, he was in a Tokyo hospital. His doctors spoke of a “cold” and “fatigue,” reports Japan Digest. But speculation about much more serious problems immediately surfaced because Watanabe was hospitalized for six weeks last year, reportedly for gall bladder surgery. Pancrealic cancer was a more likely diagnosis, rumors said. Watanabe’s health is a matter of importance in Japan because of his key role in the factional politics of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. If he had to retire, his faction could split, leading to a Cabinet shuffle for the troubled LDP.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 19, 1993
