Japan has given a strong mandate to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition. By winning the Upper House elections, the Abe administration has majorities in both Houses to ease the passage of legislation. The premier can also plan on at least three years in office — lengthy tenure compared to recent predecessors.
The election consolidates power and paves the way for bold changes. Will "Abenomics" continue? What could a resurgent Japan mean for others in Asia?
Optimism is palpable. Since Abe came into office at the end of 2012, the economy has grown some 4.1 percent, and the stock market has hit peaks as much as 80 percent higher. These numbers have been driven by stimulus — with the Bank of Japan's quantitative easing and increased government spending as the first and second "arrows" of Abenomics.