This year's 150-day regular Diet session will open Friday with a key policy speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expected to play to his strength — the economy — rather than his controversial diplomatic or national security policies.

The administration and ruling parties say they will maintain a low profile to avoid antagonizing the opposition camp, at least until the end of March when the Diet is expected to pass the budget.

"This year, too, we'd like to put priority on the economy," Abe said during an interview aired Jan. 16 on NHK.