A chronology of Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's hospitalization and the government's reaction:
Saturday, April 1
6 p.m.: Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi meets with other leaders of Japan's ruling coalition at his official residence. He makes clear his intention to expel one party from the coalition.
7:55 p.m.: After meeting with reporters, Obuchi returns to the living quarters at his official residence. He complains of "fatigue from overwork" shortly afterward.
Sunday, April 2
1 a.m.: Obuchi is admitted to a Tokyo hospital.
11:30 p.m.: Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio Aoki holds a press conference and tells the media that the prime minister was hospitalized "for fatigue." During the four-minute briefing, Aoki says examination results are not yet available but adds that Obuchi was conscious when he visited the hospital earlier Sunday.
Monday, April 3
11 a.m.: Aoki announces that the prime minister is suffering from a stroke and is in intensive care. He says Obuchi asked him to assume leadership of the government during their meeting Sunday.
4 p.m.: Aoki tells the media that Obuchi has fallen into a coma and requires an artificial respirator. He says the prime minister's condition deteriorated shortly after the two met Sunday.