According to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun cited by Global Times, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited a hospital in Tokyo on Feb. 13 for a detailed medical examination of her hand condition.
Sources from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed her visit, during which she stayed at the hospital for roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes.
It was revealed that Takaichi has been battling rheumatoid arthritis, a progressive autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and joint damage.
Her condition has reportedly worsened in recent weeks, leading to visible deformities in the joints of two fingers on her right hand.
On Feb. 1, Takaichi was forced to cancel her appearance on a scheduled morning political debate program due to her deteriorating health.
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