The Liberal Democratic Party held its annual convention Sunday in Tokyo, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe touting the success of his economic and fiscal rhetoric and pledging to protect the farm industry throughout the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks.

"The (grim) mood that covered all of Japan has lifted, and the economy is undoubtedly on a steady recovery path," the nationalist LDP chief told his party at a hotel.

He then asked the 3,500-strong gathering, mainly members of local chapters and their supporters, to stay on their toes while preparing for the House of Councilors election in July, regardless of the overwhelming victory in December's Lower House poll.