The accomplishments of the first 100 days in office are a favorite benchmark for democratic leaders. It's thought to offer a preview of his or her worldview, ambition and political fortune.

So, viewed through this lens, just how is Prime Minister Shinzo Abe doing?

Abe's 100-day mark came and went on April 4, the same day his new Bank of Japan governor shocked markets with one of the most aggressive monetary jolts in history. Suddenly, Japan was in the international news for the right reasons, not for natural disasters, radiation leaks or corporate scandals.