Abe says economy is No. 1 priority as ruling coalition wins big

What? The LDP won? Seems the intelligent, and in no way biased, arguments put forth by some of the astute academics of JT failed to make an impression on the rest of the population, who couldn't care less what they thought, and by and large don't even know they exist.

But their loss, right?

Economy? For the rich, while the poor will get poorer, and the first one's to feel it are going to be the elderly.

What? The LDP won? Seems the intelligent, and in no way biased, arguments put forth by some of the astute academics of JT failed to make an impression on the rest of the population, who couldn't care less what they thought, and by and large don't even know they exist.

No one expected Abe to lose, he called an early and unscheduled election which gave the opposition no time to prepare or campaign. And, more importantly, if Abenomics should continue down the current road of increasing debt, and not increasing growth, his party would have been tossed out during the next election in 2016, but now we are stuck with him until 2018.

So narrow minded - economy is number 1. What about quality of life, the small matter of Global Warming .....etc etc? With falling population the economy should be expected to shrink - Simple maths. Yet just for the ego of remaining the 3rd largest economy, and continuing to prop up the stock market - the economy (GDP growth) is always the priority. Crass short sightedness.

Every elections, every wins, "it's brand new, it will be different this time, it will make the economy prosper!" Just like buying a lottery you know, "I have good feelings this time, I think this is it!".

Abe says economy is No. 1 priority as ruling coalition wins big

Did I miss something, Juminto lost 5 seats and the other minor conservative parties were nearly wiped out! The Communist party (+13) and Minshuto (+11) seem to be the only ones who can claim to have won anything.

“I think we received people’s mandate for the Abe government’s performance in the past two years". Abe told TBS.."

He must have been smoking some of that "dangerous herb" to come out with this comment.

But with only around 52 percent of voters casting ballots, there may be questions over whether Sunday’s result really is an endorsement, or just the default reaction of an electorate numbed by a lack of viable alternatives

Japanese media estimated voter turnout at 52%, a post-World War II record low and down 7 percentage points from the previous lower house election in 2012.

This should be the headline, YAH think! Finally, an observation made by the writer that bears any resemblance of reality!

oh, Japantoday will be full of wailing and gnashing of teeth. I see this as a good thing. Has anyone else come up with a solution for fixing Japan besides Abe and his team? Most of you are mad at the yen's depreciation, which is at a 7 year low. Sorry, but the era of 90yen to the dollar is over. I don't think Abenomics is ideal, but there is seriously nothing else out there

The final count is not in yet, but most certainly Abe and the ruling coalition have captured a super majority of the lower house (2/3+ of the seats). Few predicted the ruling camp would win such a large proportion of LH seats, and it means Abe can revise the constitution, restart nuclear plants, raise taxes or push through any legislation he so desires. Japan according to Abe.

The yen will considerably fall today and the Nikkei will gain. I'm dreading the coming years under Abe's notion of a "beautiful Japan."

Anyway, just curious, but does anyone know when the last time was that a ruling party in Japan held a super majority of the lower house?

This should be the headline, YAH think! Finally, an observation made by the writer that bears any resemblance of reality!

True but the LDP won't allow the press to point this fact out too loudly.

"But with only around 52 percent of voters casting ballots, there may be questions over whether Sunday’s result really is an endorsement, or just the default reaction of an electorate numbed by a lack of viable alternatives."

With record low turnout, Abe can hardly claim he has the mandate. On top of that, there is little chance or time for Abe to reverse Japan's downward tread in the aspects of geopolitic and economy.

Japan's future is big question mark; just looking the number of seniors on the streets, the grey matters.

What? The LDP won? Seems the intelligent, and in no way biased, arguments put forth by some of the astute academics of JT failed to make an impression on the rest of the population, who couldn't care less what they thought, and by and large don't even know they exist.

But their loss, right?

Reformed -- all I recall is a number of folks here saying that a victory by the LDP could possibly be the owrst thing that could happen for Japan in the long-run, and the jury is still out on that, since the first two years of Abe's rule have hardly been an unqualified success. So, maybe it was the 48% that didn't even bother voting that spoke the loudest.

Sensato Dec. 15, 2014 - 07:57AM JST

The final count is not in yet, but most certainly Abe and the ruling coalition have captured a super majority of the lower house (2/3+ of the seats). Few predicted the ruling camp would win such a large proportion of LH seats

capture indicates to take possession of something you had not possessed. Juminto lost five seats and had already had a super majority with it's coalition partner Komeito prior to the election. Maybe you meant to say maintained or held on to a super majority. Abe maybe have won in terms of holding on to his 2/3 but the conservative movement lost.

With record low turnout, Abe can hardly claim he has the mandate.

He can claim it all he wants, and the Japanese press won't say anything otherwise.

The results of this election were pretty much known the day the election was announced. It just took a few weeks for it to become official.

Yo, Abe, you've had a majority. You pooped it up before and within your party are those who are more loyal to their own lieutenants, and all of these little factions can't agree on anything or are scared to do anything. Your house is pretty big to look at from the inside. but inside there are rats within the walls. And well, you're the Rat King.

You didn't win because they chose you or your ideas, you won because this country seems to be in the dark ages politically. Almost every alternative was the same Old Career Japanese Politician Guy we've all seen year after year. Congratulations, you beat them.

Many guys in JT are blaming this result. Just blaming something is easy. So, Who and which party do you like to choose? Do you really think some one from DPJ/JCP/SDP/JIP do any better than LDP and Abe? I highly doubt it and I think many Japanese citizen doubt too. They are not so positive about LDP and Abe, but so much negative about other parties. That voter turnout tells it...

Anyway, tax hike will occur regardless of the ruling party. DPJ is the one first proposed it when they were the ruling party.

So what about Komeito? Isn't it that religion-sect party?

but now we are stuck with him until 2018.

No, "you" are stuck with him.

But seriously is JT an online gaijin bar without the booze?

How many of those who don't like the status quo actually do something about it, rather than whine on a footnote of a site that reruns stories from rocketnews?

Japan's future is big question mark

So are the futures of most countries. Hardly a brilliant observation.

“Economy is my first priority,” he told NHK. “Then through the strategic diplomacy that takes an overview of the globe, I’ll enhance Japan’s position.”

In other words the yen devaluation will continue as prices rise....

xinhua.net says in headline:

News Analysis: Abe's election win no reflection of public will, pressure mounts for LDP's reform.

We sometimes forget that although "Count your blessings" is a cliche, it is a golden one.

From the beginning of the game, everyone thought LDP would always win it. Abe knew voter turnout would be much lower in winter election. Only 52% they did it. Most younger age people did not go to the election because they are not interested in such certain election. Abe says economy is no.1 priority that is true but the real priority is he wants to change the constitution within 4 years to build up stronger SDF against China.

The Japanese people have spoken and the support Prime Minister Abe and the LDP. If they were so upset with his job performance you would have seen throngs of folks out to vote against him. But you didn't because even the oppositions supporters know that the opposition doesn't have anything for Japan!

From all the negative comments one would think that the sky is falling and the end is here, one second while I check outside........ Okay, the sky is still exactly where it was and people are still walking around so the zombie apocalypse didn't occur.

Ladies and gents, the LDP won because the LDP had the support of the people and the opposition didn't. If the opposition had the people behind them they would have won more seats, but in fact they lost seats. So, learn to deal with it and if you aren't happy with it then you can either become a citizen of Japan or you could move out. It's really not that hard.

StrangerlandDec. 15, 2014 - 08:22AM JST With record low turnout, Abe can hardly claim he has the mandate. He can claim it all he wants, and the Japanese press won't say anything otherwise.

He won a major victory against his opponents, so he is correct. How can the press say any different? If you want to hear a press that disagrees with everything that Prime Minister Abe says and does here are a few links.

http://www.japan-press.co.jp/ , http://www.jcp.or.jp/akahata/ , http://www.asahi.com/ , http://www.mainichi.co.jp/ , http://mainichi.jp/english/

Each and everyone of those newspapers are critical of Prime Minister Abe and fill your heart with joy. Always here to help.

klausdorthDec. 15, 2014 - 07:51AM JST 4 more years, 4 more years ...... ... well, the Japanese population really doesn't deserve any better. They had the chance for a change and didn't use it.

Let me correct you there, you wanted the Japanese people to change their leader but, the Japanese people didn't want to. There is a huge difference from what you want and what the Japanese people want.

So, why didn't you vote? Love to hear from you real soon.

sangetsu03Dec. 15, 2014 - 07:37AM JST No one expected Abe to lose, he called an early and unscheduled election which gave the opposition no time to prepare or campaign.

The opposition had as much time as the LDP had to muster it's rank and file to win. But, they couldn't because they didn't have the support they claimed they did.

If the people were as upset with Prime Minister Abe as the Newspapers and the Left had claimed the people would have treaded through hell and high water to vote against him. But, the people didn't because they would rather have Prime Minister Abe leading them than anyone else!

Next, as Prime Minister it is his right to call for a snap election. He didn't do anything new or strange, it's happened before.

He gave the opposition a chance to prove that the people were behind them. He even sweetened the pot by adding that he would resign if his party didn't keep their Super Majority. But, what happened, he is still Prime Minister.

This only goes to prove that the people of Japan would rather have Abe as Prime Minister than anyone else.

RE: Abe says economy is no 1 priority, is only political talk. His real agenda is Imperialism as he has made has spoken loud and clear. To comment a change against China is merely an excuse nothing more. If he really is serious about the economy then why has he not pushed the fuel companies who are enjoying record number profits like the airlines in fuel surcharges as oil has gone down in price? Why not raise the consumption tax on tobacco products to make up the differences for putting up the rise on tax? Why not add real legislative with punitive damages on tobacco violators and not be influenced by JT? Those are real changes.

This only goes to prove that the people of Japan would rather have Abe as Prime Minister than anyone else.

Not exactly. It shows that 2/3 of half the people would rather have Abe as Prime Minister. That's about 1/3 of the people overall.

JoeBigs Dec. 15, 2014 - 09:07AM JST

Ladies and gents, the LDP won because the LDP had the support of the people and the opposition didn't

Lets see,

Japanese media estimated voter turnout at 52%, a post-World War II record low and down 7 percentage points from the previous lower house election in 2012.

So 52% bothered to show up. And what percentage of those 52% actually cast ballots for Juminto? any guesses.

So mandate...... ummmmm, lets see.....,

FAR less than a majority of registered voters supported Juminto = NO MANDATE

Abe says economy is No. 1 priority as ruling coalition wins big

I thought getting the Japanese back from North Korea was his number one priority, at least that's what he said before. Maybe he doesn't care, now that the election is over.

why a loser?

Probably because they are a minority, within a minority, and most don't have voting rights anyway. Add the fact that most have little sensible to contribute - must be a huge blow to their egos.

Strangerland and Mr. Perfect

That's how democracy works. Democracy assume the people did not show up would show the same proportion of supports as people who cast the vallot.

'Ladies and gents, the LDP won because the LDP had the support of the people and the opposition didn't.'

I read JT for profundities like this.

Democracy assume the people did not show up would show the same proportion of supports as people who cast the vallot.

No it doesn't.

tinawatanabe Dec. 15, 2014 - 09:55AM JST

That's how democracy works. Democracy assume the people did not show up would show the same proportion of supports as people who cast the vallot.

Nobody is disputing the results of the election! People are disputing how those results are being interpreted and the notion that this is a HUGE win for the coalition. It's a win in the sense that Abe maintains a 2/3 majority which he had already had but his own party lost 5 seats! It's a loss in the sense that NONE of the conservative opposition parties that were supporting many of Abe's positions LOST, and lost BIG. Minshuto and the JCP picked up nicely when it was widely reported that they were going to have their butts handed to them and that Juminto was going to take over 300 seats themselves which turned out not to be the cases.

Please explain to us stupid gaijin how Abe was handed a mandate because it doesn't mean just winning an election!

Ah, Japan! Only 52% could be bothered voting, but 100% complain about the government! Abe's priority of focussing on the economy seems a bit narrow minded. The Japanese economy will take decades to recover and this wombat's mandate of printing more money, increasing taxes and reducing benefits is only gonna make things worse for the 95% of the population that live an average lifestyle while the 5% rich get tax cuts and increased profits for corporations. Japan is doomed because of the narrow minded and old-fashioned mind set of these right-wind cronies.

Inaction is also an action, nonvoters have made their choice by inaction.

Klausdorth, are you referring to the anti-business Minshuto era? When the most important companies that make up Japan's global "brand" were all in the red, and the government didn't care at all?

Mr. Perfect, Japan had a 52% turnout? America's was 36% in the last election. Just for reference.

If low voter turnout means everyone can whine that the people REALLY wanted another party than LDP, I will laugh and pour myself another scotch.

“I think we received people’s mandate for the Abe government’s performance in the past two years. But we must not be complacent and must carefully explain to the public when implementing policies,” Abe told TBS.

Typical elitism...The role of elected officials is to listen to people, and implement policies accordingly. They job is to protect and advance the interests of the people they represent, not act against them.

Putting the economy first should have been a priority from the get go. Raising taxes, printing money, and deficit spending do not revive economies.

The LDP's election victory isn't an endorsement of their policies, but a rejection of the opposition. PM Abe was deemed the least of many evils.

Democracy assume the people did not show up would show the same proportion of supports as people who cast the vallot.

"No it doesn't."

Strangerland, You have no evidence to claim it doesn't. Only evidence is they did not express their supports. You should realize by now, you are not a child anymore.

Has anybody been shopping recently, notice anything different? Yeah, that prices have been rising at an alarming rate by the day with no end in sight with the yen on decline due to Abe's currency policy! The electorate failed to take a stand and we all will suffer along with them for this pricey mistake. But the sad reality is you haven't seen nothing yet. The Japanese didn't ask but boy are they about to receive and when Abe starts moving on his Beautiful Japan social agenda the economy will become a secondary issue.

There is a cancer that is slowly eating away at Japan and it's called apathy and a resulting ignorance and the fact is that is the only thing Abe managed to gain from this electorate, more of both. My own wife didn't bother to vote and was pissed-off because EVERY program on tv last night was to do with the election. She ended up watching some pre-recorded Korean drama instead, go figure!

Strangerland, You have no evidence to claim it doesn't.

1) I don't have to prove the claim otherwise. You are making the assertion, it's up to you to prove that assertion, it's not up to me to prove it wrong.

2) In a democracy, the choice to not vote is taken as a vote against the given candidates and/or the system itself.

Sorry, but you're simply wrong, and if you disagree it's up to you to prove what you are saying is true.

Putrid Democratic system, vile, and unashamedly skewed to the same families as it has been for decades. It will take another decade at least to rid this country of nepotism and corruption. As the aged meet their fate I hope the young can regenerate a beautiful country.

I slowly realise, that we foreigners have a very skewed view on Japan. Many people come here and search for some holy land. And then they live here for some years and realise it is just as corrupt as their home country, but of course with much better manners and food.

So, my fellow gaijins... please don't project your fantasies about the holy land too much on these poor Japanese souls.

I am not a fan of Abe San revisionist ideas BTW. I came here, because I grew up in awe about all the great high tech coming from this country. My personal opinion is, that LDP's current strategy won't be the path back to glory and I feel kind of sorry, that it shines such a bad light on the nice Japanese people.

Best be seated, sadly a tad early for hot sake, those few gains for Abe san and the LDP mirroring a cost close to $500m hollow out any electoral hubris. The headline belies in its understatement the importance of how policy decisions regarding the economy will ultimately decide whether Abe san can justify such a needless spectacle of political points scoring. The yen is strengthening as the traders lock in their ill gotten gains. The nikkei could wobble as the market speculates the government/BOJ next move.

You must have me confused with someone else. I have never denied that Abe won. He very clearly won the vote.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Has anyone else come up with a solution for fixing Japan besides Abe and his team?

Since you asked, yes. Put the consumption tax back at 5% or better yet at zero. Things really started going downhill when it was raised in April. Most here saw that coming from kilometers away. Which begs the question why these 'expert' politicians' could not see it coming.

Peter Payne Dec. 15, 2014 - 10:41AM JST

Mr. Perfect, Japan had a 52% turnout? America's was 36% in the last election. Just for reference.

What's your point? Thanks for informing me of the United States mid-term election turnout though, yes it was quite UN-impressive. Did I even mention the US election? BTW, Juminto didn't get 52% of the vote

Here's one for you! If a rock bank performs at a stadium and only 24% of the seats are full would that be referred to as a successful concert? If you invite all your friends to come to your annual summer BBQ/Beer bash and only 52% show up and only 24% stay long enough to finish their first drink, would you feel embarrassed? Would you later announce how popular you and your BBQ's are? Probably not if you don't like to have people laugh in your face.

Just a thought.

Currency speculators are hedging yen down to 150 to US$1 by mid-2015 and 200 by 2015 year end. I could see 150 but 200 is a stretch. Cost of living index will go thru roof as imports rocket in price. On the + side, Big Auto is going to make a lot of profits but will it pass that to line workers—I doubt it. Turkeys just voted for Christmas.

Strangerland: 2) In a democracy, the choice to not vote is taken as a vote against the given candidates and/or the system itself.

What about people who favor the leading party but don't bother to waste time voting because a landslide is predicted?

On the other side, persons favoring opposition parties should always try to vote even if a landslide against them is expected. Even if their favorites lose, their vote still gives the starting point to judge the results of the NEXT election. Look where the opposition parties in Japan have got to climb up from now!

In some cases / in some countries you hear that one side boycotts the election to protest election fraud. Which seems wrongheaded, for the same reason as given above.

People, what ever your position is remember this small detail, Juminto only garnered 24% of the registered voters as reported on NHK, a news source we can all trust. 24% of registered voters cast ballots for Juminto!

Difference between not voting and casting a void vote. iMO.

Be careful of what you do and what you wish for karma can be a b!tch.

'Putrid Democratic system, vile, and unashamedly skewed to the same families as it has been for decades. It will take another decade at least to rid this country of nepotism and corruption. As the aged meet their fate I hope the young can regenerate a beautiful country.'

How I wish I could believe that things will change when this generation shuffles aside. Their offspring will take up the mantle and the familiar surnames will continue to crop up. The best and the brightest in Japan are bright enough to see how it works and take their talents elsewhere. More well-connected mediocrities are on the menu.

The best and the brightest in Japan are bright enough to see how it works and take their talents elsewhere. More well-connected mediocrities are on the menu.

Or the bright ones just turn apathetic, as they already know that anything worthwhile they'll do will be turned into something mediocre. Just not worth the effort.

snap elections & Cabinet shuffling cost money. There'll be no economic reform 'til the government cures its wasteful spending malady!

ReformedBasher: "But seriously is JT an online gaijin bar without the booze?"

A true testament to your comments like, "this must be a blow to their egos". But hey, do show us an 'online bar' WITH booze. You undermine your own comments, especially challenging people to go out and do something instead of just complaining when you later admit that they cannot do anything anyway if they wanted to. Nicely done as usual, ReformedBasher.

“I believe the results show that we have received a public mandate for the Abe administration’s achievement over the past two years,” Abe said in a live television interview with Tokyo Broadcasting System. “But we should not be complacent about the results.”

What achievement is he talking about?

The U.S. government hopes Abe will be able to win passage of a series of bills needed to expand Japan’s military role, Hang on a second, the country is in deep s**t when it comes to the amount of spending and the amount of money coming, to close this deficit you need to make CUT BACKS! spending on the military which needs to be reduced big style!. this is one of the many problems that need to be tackled. Good luck mr Abe,

What achievement is he talking about?

My best guess will be...amending article 9, raising consumption tax to cover the interest on the debt & the state secrecy law ?

In Washington, the White House congratulated Abe on his election victory

Election sham more like

And sure I didn't vote because I couldn't! No, I don't want to become a naturalized Japanese! (that would probably have been your next comment)

Then it's time to kindly stfu. You hate Japan I assume from all your comments.

First, let's be good sports and congratulate Abe on his win. A lot of people might not have turned up, but he still got more than his enemies put together, and we have to give him that.

Next, some people are crowing that he lost seats, but what did you expect? If you start off with a dream and 2 years of reality later you've only lost 5 seats well that's not too bad!

Well, he can concentrate on the economy but I hope he takes care of Defence as well. I'm supporting him mostly for this.

Quite frankly, at this point, Japan is out of easy solutions to solve the debt problem. Defence is nothing in the system. Heck, Aso had the right idea cutting the old loose. It sounds cold but massive cutbacks in social insurance are the only realistic way to cover the hole. Trimming pork or even muscle sounds nice but is a drop in the water.

Abe says economy is No. 1 priority as ruling coalition wins big

I find it funny how folks on the Left don't think that the economy isn't number one, maybe that's they the Left didn't win the election.........

And head are exploding as they read this post........

@Shanchan Actually many people on this site love living in this country and therefore care about it's future. Criticizing something doesn't make you a hater!!!

I find it funny how folks on the Left don't think that the economy isn't number one, maybe that's they the Left didn't win the election.........

They... don't think it isn't number one... in other words, they do think it's number one? Or this is some reference to how some critics of Abe focus less on his mediocre handling of the economy, failure to enact meaningful reforms as he said he would and Japan's consequent miserable economic condition, and more on his efforts to spay the media, glorify the fascist oligarchy his dear old war criminal grandpa was involved in and whitewash its atrocities?

Either way it's nice that you find it funny, but best save that gag for the internet, it might fall a bit flat if you try it in an actual conversation.

Criticizing something doesn't make you a hater!!!

If you don't respect J public decision, and think you have to teach them how to behave because you believe they are not well informed (although in fact it is you that's not well informed for lack of Japanese fluency), then you are a hater.

'If you don't respect J public decision, and think you have to teach them how to behave because you believe they are not well informed (although in fact it is you that's not well informed for lack of Japanese fluency), then you are a hater.'

You haven't really got the hang of the idea of democratic debate. Many Japanese people I work with tell me that stating opinions or debating isn't cultivated in Japanese education. I can see what they mean.

You haven't really got the hang of the idea of democratic debate. Many Japanese people I work with tell me that stating opinions or debating isn't cultivated in Japanese education. I can see what they mean.

Jimizo, If you insist Abe does not have mandate because only 52% turn out or whatever, it is hardly democratic dabate. It is Japan bashing. You don't need education to tell hate from dabate, and I have two university educations both in Japan and USA.

Mr. PerfectDec. 15, 2014 - 10:56AM JST Has anybody been shopping recently, notice anything different? Yeah, that prices have been rising at an alarming rate by the day with no end in sight with the yen on decline due to Abe's currency policy!

Prices aren't rising at an alarming rate. Been shopping and prices haven't changed much in Tokyo. A taxi ride to Tokyo station now is 2460 compared to 2250 last year, a head of lettuce is 250 instead of 230 and a can of beer is 206 instead of 201. If you think that means that prices are rising at an alarming rate you should do more research.

Prices go up and down all the time. Now, if you can provide actual facts and figures by all means please do so.

Simon FostonDec. 15, 2014 - 10:20PM JST I find it funny how folks on the Left don't think that the economy isn't number one, maybe that's they the Left didn't win the election......... They... don't think it isn't number one...

Wow, I must have hit a raw nerve there. Hell, you were so ticket that all you could muster was pointing to an error. Talk about desperation. You try a messaging on a tablet that auto-corrects while in a taxi. Trust me grammar Police officer Simon you too would make mistakes.

But, let me try and help you to understand the reality of our world.

Money makes the world go round without it no one can do a darned thing. Without a strong economy there is no money to be spent by the people. This leads to companies having to let goof workers because no one is spending their money. No money being spent means the government can't collect tax. No taxes means the government can't do it's job. Government not doing it's job leads to anarchy and anarchy. Corruption and anarchy makes your country a third world nation.

Now, if you believe that the economy isn't number one then you need to get some real world experience

JoeBigs Dec. 16, 2014 - 01:25PM JST

Prices aren't rising at an alarming rate. Been shopping and prices haven't changed much in Tokyo. A taxi ride to Tokyo station now is 2460 compared to 2250 last year, a head of lettuce is 250 instead of 230 and a can of beer is 206 instead of 201. If you think that means that prices are rising at an alarming rate you should do more research.

I see that you are unfamiliar with the exchange rate and at the moment it is 119 yen to the dollar where as one year ago it was 103, a 15% drop. But how about since Abe came into power. Dec~2012 the Yen traded at 82 yen to the dollar. So, 82 yen now it's 119 so a 45% drop. Are you trying to suggest that the only thing that has changed is the increase in the consumption tax while ignoring a 45% decline in the yens buying power. And to bring up taxi prices exposes your lack of understanding as the price of a taxi ride is strictly regulated by the government and do not fluctuate like a yoyo nor does the price of tobacco or alcoholic beverages. But you are aware of how the exchange rate effects the Japanese economy and on the prices of commodities aren't you? May I quote you JoeBigs;

If you think that means that prices are rising at an alarming rate you should do more research.

Yes, I think you do need to do more research!

If you insist Abe does not have mandate because only 52% turn out or whatever, it is hardly democratic dabate. It is Japan bashing.

What does Japan have to do with it? I think any of us would say the same of a 52% turn out for an election in any country. 52% turnout means that no matter what the results, it's not a mandate. Only a minority of people has turned out in support of the winning party (unless they got like 98% of the vote). Abe has no way of knowing whether he has the support of the majority of people, because he couldn't even drum up enough interest in the election to get people to tell him whether they support him/his party or not.

tinawatanabe Dec. 16, 2014 - 12:29AM JST

If you insist Abe does not have mandate because only 52% turn out or whatever, it is hardly democratic dabate. It is Japan bashing.

tinawatanabe, you insist Abe does have a mandate which buy your own definition "is hardly democratic dabate". Is disagreeing with someone over a mandate Japan bashing? I think most people who are still in high school would conclude it isn't. You might make a slightly better case by accusing some of being Abe bashers/haters but that is really stretching it as well.

Granted, Abe won the re-election, and LDP secured the majority in lower house; but this feeble victory gives little capital to Abe in terms of improving Japan failing economy.

Here is a clue, steep drop in crude oil prices ( $54.30 NYMEX as I am typing this response) would make BOJ’s inflation target even harder to achieve within its projected time frame. Without inflation, Japan could fall right into the all-too-familiar deflation black hole again and bring everything else with it.

Simon, for once I suggest you let Joebig’s grammar mistake go. The reasons are twofold: first, his intent in his statement was unmistakably clear giving the context albeit double negative were used . Secondly, it’s social media era and as long as readers get the points, almost anything goes let along count in the smartphone phone/tablet’s obnoxious auto filling function.

What I am trying to say is that grammar and word of choice are inded important aspects of language skills; however, there is no need to dwell on mistakes. I made a lot of grammar mistakes in this forum (sometimes intentional) . However, it’s you call. :)

What does Japan have to do with it? I think any of us would say the same of a 52% turn out for an election in any country. 52% turnout means that no matter what the results, it's not a mandate. Only a minority of people has turned out in support of the winning party (unless they got like 98% of the vote). Abe has no way of knowing whether he has the support of the majority of people, because he couldn't even drum up enough interest in the election to get people to tell him whether they support him/his party or not.

52% voter turnout means 48% gave a blank endorsement to the status quo. Stop whining already.

He did not win everywhere and ALL of the LDP candidates lost in Okinawa. The people of Okinawa do not support Abe and now Abe will force the will of the majority on the minority of Okinawa. We have voted and made our voices heard, no American bases on Okinawa.

@YuriOtani

Is there any serious separatist movement in Okinawa? Looks like that is the only way out if you don't want bases there.

turbotsat, we want the American bases gone not our cousins to the north. What you miss is the USA is forcing these bases on the peaceful people of Okinawa. Might makes right what happened to democracy?

Yeah, but if Japan is never going to let Okinawa get rid of the bases then you're stuck with them if you don't secede.

USA is not forcing anything, if Japan said get out all your stuff by next week USA would have to do it.

And, if Japan doesn't kick them out, the bases have to go somewhere. Originally they were placed there because Okinawa was under US control, but now, why should Japanese mainland increase their target footprint by moving the bases over to mainland. Someone starts tossing nukes around better to have those targets a good distance away.