Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became Japan's second-longest continuously serving prime minister Thursday, counting days from the start of his second administration in December 2012, surpassing former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida's 2,248 consecutive days.
The current longest-serving prime minister is Eisaku Sato, who served 2,798 consecutive days. If Abe stays in office until Aug. 24, 2020, he will surpass Sato for the longest continuous run as a prime minster.
Abe is expected reach a total of 2,616 days in office including the days of his first administration on Friday, equaling Shigeru Yoshida's fourth-largest total of days.
Former Prime Minister Taro Katsura served as prime minister for a record of 2,886 days in total, though not consecutively, before World War II.
"I honestly feel that seven years have quickly passed since the administration was formed. While listening to public opinion, we'd like to address many challenges," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said during a press conference Wednesday.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
