Japanese nationalists

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Aug. 15 sent a cash donation to a controversial war shrine as the country marked the anniversary of its defeat in World War II.

Yasukuni Shrine honors about 2.5 million dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in the country's wars since the late 19th century.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings sinking over a suspected cronyism scandal, said on July 24 that he had never instructed officials to give preferential treatment to a long-time friend, adding that the latter had never sought favors.

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slumped more than 10 points to 44.9 percent in a public opinion poll published on June 18, amid opposition party suspicions he used his influence unfairly to help a friend set up a business.

In Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his government move decisively to fight against the tradition of self-sacrificing work, after a study has shown that one-fifth of Japanese are in danger of dying from too much work.

Japan's economy minister Akira Amari said on Jan. 28 he was stepping down over graft allegations, dealing a major blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who faces a key leadership vote later this year.

Punches flew in the Japanese parliament when a brawl broke out over legislation that changed the nation’s post WW2 pacifist foreign policy.

Japanese premier Shinzo Abe was on Sept. 8 re-elected head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, despite falling popularity over efforts to expand the military's role and a stuttering economy.

Controversial security bills that opponents say will undermine 70 years of pacifism and could see Japanese troops fighting abroad for the first time since World War II passed through the powerful lower house of parliament on July 16.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made another pitch on July 15 for security bills which would beef up Japan's military, as he pushed legislation through a key panel despite surging public and parliamentary opposition.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will send a clear message to the United States when he visits Washington next week: Japan is ready to take more responsibility for security on the world stage. 

Behind that message, the conservative leader will want fresh assurances that America will show up if needed in any clash with China, conversations with politicians and experts show.