In July 2006, Shinzo Abe published a book titled "Utsukushii Kuni e" ("Toward a Beautiful Country"). At that time he was Chief Cabinet Secretary under Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. In September 2006 he was elected president of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). A week later he became prime minister. He resigned within a year, having failed to pull his country or his party out of the doldrums. His career seemed over. His triumphant return to the prime ministership last December, and the stellar approval ratings he has enjoyed since, are warnings against hasty conclusions. Maybe they warn us that all conclusions are hasty.
What does he mean by "beautiful country"? His book, defying expectations the title raises, gives no clear answer. The title phrase scarcely occurs in the text. Lately he speaks more often of a "strong" rather than a "beautiful" Japan. Perhaps, in his mind, strength and beauty are one.
"Toward a Beautiful Country" is above all a celebration of the conservative and patriotic ideals Abe has long championed.