On Sept. 20, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was soundly re-elected for a third term as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. As many have noted, this victory is historic because it puts Abe, who has already led the country for nearly six consecutive years, on track to becoming Japan's longest-serving prime minister.
The current record for the longest continuous prime ministerial tenure is held by Eisaku Sato, who governed for about seven years and eight months from 1964 to 1972. While Sato led Japan under very different circumstances, comparing his prime ministership to Abe's offers interesting insights into what it takes to create enduring leadership in Japan. This is especially relevant given that the country has been otherwise known for its weak, short-lived governments — the average tenure of a prime minister since 1945 is only about two years.
One commonality between Sato and Abe immediately stands out: They are related. Abe is the grandson of Sato's older brother, Nobusuke Kishi (also a prime minister). Yet there are more interesting parallels between the two prime ministers that suggest a guide to durable leadership in Japan.