Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida skipped a planned speech on Monday after undergoing endoscopic surgery for nasal congestion late last week.
Kishida, who has been in good condition following the surgery over the weekend, resumed his official duties, but it is still difficult for him to speak for a long time, a government official said. He was supposed to give his address at Kyodo News headquarters in Tokyo.
The premier, who has suffered from chronic sinusitis causing nasal congestion and other symptoms, such as headaches, underwent the surgery at a hospital in Tokyo on Saturday.
After returning to his official residence later in the day, Kishida went to the hospital again for post-operative care the following day.
On Monday, Kishida told reporters he is recovering "well" while sending a pre-recorded video message to the Kyodo News event.
In the video message, Kishida said he will "politely explain" his government's policies to the public amid growing concern that he could carry out large-scale tax hikes to boost defense spending and cover the costs of implementing measures to facilitate child-rearing.
As Kishida was placed under general anesthetic during the surgery, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno temporarily stepped in for the prime minister.
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