Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has acknowledged that he has a sore throat and had lost his voice, raising concerns that heavy pressure to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and criticism over the administration’s response has been taking a physical toll on him.

“I have a sore throat and lost my voice, but other than that I’m fine," Suga said in a hoarse voice during a Lower House budget committee meeting on Monday, attempting to downplay growing apprehension over his health.

During the daylong grilling, he at times answered questions from lawmakers in a feeble voice, a stark contrast from his days as chief Cabinet secretary, when he answered questions from the media briskly and with a commanding tone.