In Japan, voters gave a victory to the Liberal Democratic party in the parliamentary elections signaling a possible change to the nation's economy and pacifist policies.
Japan hasn't had much luck in its political leaders, only having elected mostly ineffective ones in the past. However, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a nationalist who's platform revolves around the promise of revitalizing the economy and strengthening the military, may be just what Japan needs in order to stimulate advancement and expansion.
Many Japanese seem to welcome the Prime Minister's Abenomics as he calls his economic plan, but they are also worried his idea to re-write the antiwar Constitution to expand the military in an attempt to compete with China, could further seclude Japan. The election's victory gave Abe the control of both houses of parliament, 52% to be exact.
"We have received overwhelming support from the people for our policies of improving the economy and solid and stable politics," said Mr. Abe of the win to BBC News. It's the first time he's had majority of control. The deadlocked parliament has been blamed for the lack of progression in Japan in the past years. Now, as long as the Liberal Democratic Party's coalition remains strong it will not face new elections for another three years.
Prime Minister Abe aims to continue the discussion of changing the Constitution. He wants to stimulate Japan's entrepreneurial sector and improve the hiring rates. He also believes Japan needs a normalized military instead of its defence-only forces in order to be able to play a part in international affairs, including becoming a full ally to the United States.
“Abe wants to restore Japan’s place in the world,” said Yun Duk-min, an expert on international relations says to New York Times.