Abe has apologised to the public for not completing his term, which was due to end in September 2021.

According to reports, Abe is suffering from ulcerative colitis, a bowel disease.

As his condition worsened, Abe was rushed to the hospital twice within a week's time, giving rise to speculation about his resignation.

In 2007, the same disease forced him to resign as the then prime minister.

His present term began in 2012.

A popular politician and Japan's longest serving prime minister, Abe's reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic has been criticised and deemed slow.

Abe's deputy and Finance Minister Taro Aso is expected to step in as the acting prime minister.

Under Abe's leadership, Japan made economic progress and developed strong ties with the United States of America.