According to the NHK report, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to resign because of health issues. He had visited Keio University Hospital twice in the past 2 weeks, and he was undergoing treatment for ulcerative colitis, a chronic digestive condition that forced him to step down as premier in 2007. 

Abe is expected to give a news conference at 5 p.m. Friday where he will discuss his health. Taro Aso, the gaffe-phone finance minister, is expected to take over as acting prime minister. Liberal Democratic party insisted this week that Abe would carry on until his term as party president – and as prime minister – ends in September 2021.