On the morning of February 1, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae abruptly canceled her scheduled appearance on a television debate program.

Takaichi was scheduled to appear on the program in her capacity as president of the Liberal Democratic Party.

The program said it received a notice from the LDP on the morning of February 1 that the prime minister will miss the show as she injured her arm during an election campaign tour the day before and is undergoing treatment.

Takaichi later updated her social media saying that as she shook hands with enthusiastic supporters at campaign venues over the past several days, she injured her hand when it was pulled strongly.

She explained that she has chronic condition of rheumatoid arthritis and her hand became swollen.

The Japanese leader said she has received treatment from a medical officer including medication and taping and will take part in House of Representatives election campaign events scheduled for the afternoon of February 1.