Prime Minister Shinzo Abe responded to criticism in the Diet on Friday about his playing golf and attending concerts in late December after he had been informed that two Japanese were being held hostage by Islamic State extremists.

During question and answer sessions in the House of Representatives Budget Committee on Thursday and Friday, Abe was criticized by opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) leader Katsuya Okada and again by DPJ lawmaker Kiyomi Tsujimoto, TBS reported Saturday.

Abe replied that "Taking care of my physical and mental health is vital to my job."

However, Tsujimoto voiced her disapproval of Abe's activities. "The media covered you attending concerts and playing golf, while our nation was facing an increasingly hostile international threat and two of our own citizens were in mortal danger. Do you deny this Prime Minister?"

Abe replied that he has learned from previous leaders that being prime minister requires not only that he address matters of national and international importance, but that he also tend to his own mental and physical health, especially in times of crisis. "In order to adequately respond to the recent hostage situation, I found it important to take some time for myself so that I could then perform my duties with full capacity. In such times of stress, it is absolutely paramount that we all attempt to maintain our normal activities and establish a sense of inner calm and presence before moving forward and making major decisions."

The government learned of journalist Kenji Goto's abduction on Dec 3. However, after that, Abe was frequently away from his Tokyo headquarters, campaigning for the Dec 14 lower house election.

Abe said he was always in touch with the Cabinet Crisis Management Office and was getting daily updates on the hostage situation. "It's my job to make major decisions and before doing so, I make sure I am fully advised."

© Japan Today