Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has so far warded off the curse that has afflicted many a Japanese leader — a collapse in public support — despite presiding over a consistently lackluster economy.
And yet, he may still become the longest-serving leader since World War II.
Senior ruling party lawmakers are working to allow Abe to extend his tenure. Already in power almost four years, a potential change in party rules could see him in office until at least 2021, as long as his Liberal Democratic Party keeps winning elections.