Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe's suggestive declaration Wednesday that he would run for president of the Liberal Democratic Party has thrilled one of his most ardent supporters.

Ichita Yamamoto, a 48-year-old member of the Upper House, is one of Abe's biggest fans. He can often be seen on TV programs praising the hawkish lawmaker. Yamamoto said he was relieved by the speech.

"It made it easier for me to support him," he said.