Shinzo Abe on his illness
The former prime minister said: I am struggling with my illness and need treatment. Poor health should not lead to wrong political decisions.”
There had been speculation that Abe suffered from the illness and vomited blood after going to the hospital twice before resigning.
The 65-year-old, who has been battling ulcerative colitis for years, ended his first term as prime minister in 2007 due to the same illness.
Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, apologized from the bottom of his heart to citizens for not being able to perform his duties.