"We can't lose to that kind of people," Abe said in an infuriated tone in the speech as protesters shouted in chorus at the prime minister to quit. A banner reading "Abe, Quit!" was displayed during the speech in front of Akihabara Station of East Japan Railway Co. or JR East.

After the LDP suffered a historic defeat in the election, Suga told a press conference on Monday that the remark by Abe was "not problematic at all."

"It was an extremely common-sense remark," Suga said. "It's quite unacceptable to criticize such a remark." (Jiji Press)