Tokyo International News Agency

Recently, remarks concerning a politician's poor health sparked a lively debate on social media about society's understanding of designated intractable diseases like 'collagen diseases' and 'rheumatism,' and the reality faced by patients. Many people have expressed deep concern and anger over misconceptions surrounding the nature of these illnesses and the suffering of those afflicted. The debate was triggered by reports that a politician, who had reportedly missed a debate due to rheumatoid arthritis, was later seen energetic at a street speech. This led to critical voices, with some saying, 'Don't easily exploit illness,' 'It's a last-minute cancellation,' or 'They ran away.' In particular, questions were raised such as, 'Can pain so severe that remote meetings are impossible in the morning really subside enough to actively campaign in the afternoon?' leading to doubts about the veracity of the illness. On the other hand...

The keyword "rheumatoid arthritis patients" has become a major trend on social media, attracting significant attention. This discussion began when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during questioning last year regarding the high-cost medical expense reimbursement system, publicly disclosed that she herself is a rheumatoid arthritis patient and is undergoing treatment. As explained by palliative care physicians, rheumatic pain is "inflammatory pain," and its symptoms and severity vary greatly among individuals. Among the posts, there are voices of patients refuting callous comments like "it's just hand pain, you can talk," by retorting, "Try talking normally when your whole body feels bruised and you groan just from moving." The harsh reality of joint swelling, deformation, and pain worsening in cold seasons or due to fatigue is vividly shared. Experiences such as "I can't even wave my hand when it hurts" and "even being touche...

A lively discussion has erupted on social media regarding Minister Takaichi's absence from "Sunday Debate," citing an exacerbation of her chronic rheumatoid arthritis. While some voices expressed understanding for her poor health, her subsequent appearance at a street rally that same afternoon sparked questions and criticism regarding her decision. This has led to a variety of opinions among the public about the health issues of politicians and the nature of public service. Many users highlighted the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, expressing sympathy and understanding for Minister Takaichi. Numerous comments included phrases like, "The morning stiffness and pain are truly excruciating" and "There's no way one can endure such intense pain to participate in a debate." Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis themselves or in their families shared specific experiences, such as, "When it worsens, you can't even hold chopsticks or walk...

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly disclosed that she was injured when her hand was strongly pulled during a campaign speech, aggravating her long-standing chronic condition, rheumatoid arthritis. This revelation has ignited a lively debate on social media, intertwining concerns about the Prime Minister's health with demands for accountability in national politics. On February 1, the Prime Minister revealed her history of rheumatoid arthritis, explaining that her hand was injured and swollen during handshakes at an election rally, necessitating treatment from a medical officer. This announcement followed the last-minute cancellation of her scheduled appearance on NHK's "Sunday Debate" program on the same day. However, criticism arose from some social media users when it was reported that while the Prime Minister withdrew from "Sunday Debate," she subsequently participated in another campaign speech. Questions were raised, such as: "It's medi...