Shigeru Ishiba, president JapanThe ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was seen napping in parliament on Monday. re-elected prime minister.

Video footage showed Mr. Shigeru briefly closing his eyes during the General Assembly session. House of Representatives While the votes are being counted, social media comments criticizing his apparent sleepiness.

Late Monday, the government’s top spokesman spoke at a press conference to answer questions on the matter. Prime ministerhealth.

“The prime minister was extremely busy working late into the night, and I understand that he had a cold today and was taking cold medicine,” chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. He said there were “no problems with his health” other than a cold.

Some MPs, including an opposition member, criticized Mr Shigeru’s behavior, suggesting it was a lack of urgency. The unnamed MP was quoted as saying: “If he is actually sleeping, it shows that he lacks any obvious tension.” Kyodo News.

In the viral video, Mr. Hayashi was seen looking worriedly at the prime minister during Monday’s session.

In a closely watched parliamentary vote on Monday, Mr. Shigeru confirmed as prime minister He successfully overcame one of the first challenges of his new administration. This follows the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito Failed to win majority in last Lower House elections.

But the video of him with his head bowed and his eyes closed quickly overshadowed the news of his confirmation. Japan Times He reported that the clip went viral on X and received a lot of critical comments under the hashtag “#Ishibashushonoinemuri” or “#PMIshibaSnoozing”.

Nobuyuki Baba, leader of the Japan Innovation Party (or Nippon Ishin no Kai), said he believed Mr. Shigeru was undoubtedly tired but his actions were “inappropriate” for the situation.

“We were holding an election to determine the head of one of the three branches of government, so I think it would be inappropriate for someone to be wiretapped during such an election,” he said.