Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated before lawmakers on Wednesday his vow to put to rest Japan's unresolved post-World War II diplomatic challenges, placing emphasis on ensuring the return of citizens abducted by North Korean agents and the signing of a peace treaty with Russia.
In his speech marking the start of this year's 48-day extraordinary Diet session, Abe recycled the slogan — "summing up Japan's postwar diplomacy" — that he had repeatedly trumpeted in his campaign in the run-up to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election last month. The prime minister's victory in the poll made it possible for him to serve another three years in office.
Abe also addressed growing criticism from opposition parties and the public over suggestions of hubris on his part, which they believe is the result of having led the country for over half a decade.