After reports surfaced that Sir Paul McCartney was rushed to a hospital in Japan after being struck down with a virus, recent reports from Sankei Sports, a Japanese newspaper, state that his condition has worsened and he is still in a Tokyo Hospital.

Sir Paul, who has always been an advocate of a healthy lifestyle, is a vegetarian who also practises yoga and meditation. He is being treated at Tokyo's St Luke's International Hospital, with third wife Nancy, at his bedside.

The legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, was forced to cancel his entire Japanese tour earlier this week. McCartney is now 71 years old but is still actively performing in sold-out shows worldwide. He had flown in to Japan after a successful sold-out tour of South America.

The Beatles legend was forced to scrap his entire Japanese tour as he continued to battle with the viral infection and released a statement apologising to fans.

"I was really looking forward to playing in Japan again after we had such an amazing time here in November. So to cancel these shows as well as the National Stadium shows is hugely disappointing for me as well. I'd like to thank my Japanese fans for their love, messages of support and understanding. I hope to see you all again soon. Love, Paul."

A statement was released soon after news of his illness broke out and indicated that he was on his way to recovery.

"Since contracting a virus last week that led to the postponement of tour dates, Paul received successful medical treatment at a hospital in Tokyo. He will make a complete recovery and has been ordered to take a few days' rest. Paul has been extremely moved by all the messages and well wishes he has received from fans all over the world."

"Paul McCartney will regrettably have to cancel the remaining Japanese shows. Paul is still not feeling better and this cancelation is unavoidable. He was hoping to be better but the doctors have ordered him complete rest. Paul has been extremely moved by the messages from his fans and is upset to be letting them down," said a further statement posted by his team.

It was reported this week that McCartney was still due to perform his show in Seoul on May 28 although it is not known if this will now be cancelled. His team is hopeful that the American leg of the tour will still go ahead as scheduled - starting in Lubbock, Texas, on June 14 followed by 18 more US gigs.