Comedian Shinya Arino (of Yoiko) is temporarily taking a sudden break from work. He was hospitalized last Tuesday after being diagnosed with an abscess in his lungs, and his treatment is expected to last about a month.

Arino revealed the news on his blog on Friday. His agency, Shochiku Entertainment, issued a fax to the media the same day.

Arino regularly appears on several TV programs, including "Game Center CX" and "Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!"