As was widely expected, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won Thursday's presidential election to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, allowing him to continue as prime minister for up to three more years if all goes according to the party's plans.
But now that the votes are in, is there much for Abe to celebrate?
Thursday's victory brings with it the start of a highly risky political battle for him, experts say, if not the beginning of the end of his administration — which has already lasted for nearly six years.