FACTBOX-Tokyo residents react to PM Abe's resignation

He's faced various criticism, I think, but he's worked hard for the country so I feel kind of sad that he's resigning." KUNIO SEKINE, 62, OFFICE WORKER "I'm surprised. (His resignation) is very unfortunate." KATSUMI ABIKO, 79, SHOPKEEPER "I've been wanting him to resign for a long time." KATSUMI ABIKO, 79, SHOPKEEPER "Everything he did was wrong.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the nation's longest-serving premier, said on Friday plans to resign, citing a worsening health problem.

Here are the reactions of some people on the streets of Tokyo. NAOHITO KOJIMA, 55, BROKERAGE EMPLOYEE

"I think he worked hard. As head of the ruling party, he worked hard on Abenomics for eight years. There were various problems, but if someone else had been leader, it's questionable whether they could have maintained a stable government for as long as he did. "He had various diplomatic negotiations overseas and there were pros and cons, but I think there were many merits.

REIJI IWATA, 24, ACTOR "I think he's been working the whole time, and we've also had the coronavirus pandemic. He's faced various criticism, I think, but he's worked hard for the country so I feel kind of sad that he's resigning."

KUNIO SEKINE, 62, OFFICE WORKER "I'm surprised. He looked really tired, but I didn't think he would resign. I wish he could work harder and stay on a bit longer."

KUMIKO SAITO, 45, OFFICE WORKER "He was working hard on (measures to deal with) the coronavirus. But he seemed worn out lately, and I was worried. (His resignation) is very unfortunate."

KATSUMI ABIKO, 79, SHOPKEEPER "I've been wanting him to resign for a long time."

KATSUMI ABIKO, 79, SHOPKEEPER "Everything he did was wrong. Especially (trying to) amend the constitution. He is not protecting our constitution but wanted to change it. I can't forgive him."