Overview
- A widely shared clip from Thursday showed Sanae Takaichi looking exhausted after a budget committee session.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said she suspected a cold, underwent a medical check, and rested at her official residence.
- Kihara stated she has recovered and will carry out her official duties as scheduled today.
- Local media reported she skipped some meetings with Middle Eastern ambassadors on Thursday as a precaution.
- She is slated to meet President Donald Trump in Washington within a week, with some observers cautioning that health questions could distract from expected displays of strong ties given developments involving Iran.