Suga, who on Monday was elected leader of the ruling LDP, says his run was inspired by the desire to continue Abe's policies.
Even though Japan has seen a relatively small coronavirus outbreak, Abe's government was harshly criticised for its handling of the pandemic.
Questions about Abe's health have been swirling since he made a previously unannounced visit to hospital for medical checks on Aug. 17.
There is a growing speculation about whether he is sick, possibly with a recurrence of the ulcerative colitis that plagued him during his first term in office.
Compared to hard-hit areas in Europe, the US, Russia and Brazil, Japan has been spared the worst of the pandemic, with 16,581 cases in total and 830 deaths.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told parliament that Japan was still committed to a "complete" Games.
His father Akihito abdicated earlier this year, and Tuesday's rituals witnessed royalty and political leaders from around the world.
Around 110,000 police, coast guard, firefighters and military troops are involved in the rescue operation in the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis.
More than 110,000 homes were still without power by Sunday evening, with others experiencing water outages.
Abe has promised to bolster Japanese defence capabilities in the wake of North Korea's "unacceptable" provocations.
The ship washed up on a beach in Kashiwazaki in north Japan, prompting concerns that Pyongyang has launched a spy campaign.
North Korean spies feared to have infiltrated 'ghost ships' off north western coast of Japan as Pyongyang advances nuclear programme.
The woman, Lee Yong Soo, was enslaved by the Japanese Army during World War II when she was just 16-years-old. She is one of around 30 living "comfort women" who served the Japanese.
Reddit users shared a gif showing a man rolling down a golf bunker - and claim it shows the Japanese Prime Minister taking a fall while Donald Trump walks by unaware.
The US president met with the Japanese comedian/musician at a formal dinner hosted by the Asian country's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Trump did not rule out military action and exhorted dictator Kim Jong-Un to cease weapons testing.
North Korea accuses "sinister and crafty Japanese reactionaries" of "smear campaign" and resorting to "trite tricks".
Ex-employee tells IBTimes UK that senior managers at Japan's industrial giant were too scared or proud to admit failures that have now amplified into a colossal scandal.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit Japan but will not meet Emperor Akihito.
The incumbent ran on predictable platform in unpredictable times and prevailed despite his ambition to change the constitution few have an appetite for.
Policy stimulus and frenetic construction for the summer games in 2020 seen aiding Japanese economy, according to new analysis.
Japan's benchmark share index hits highest level in 21 years after Abe won a decisive election victory on 22 October.
