The victory Sunday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition will reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance and contribute to stability in the Asia-Pacific region, especially as Americans are focused on domestic issues in the run-up to November's presidential election, according to U.S. experts on Japanese affairs.

They said Abe's firmer grip on power will boost bilateral cooperation in ensuring peace and stability in the region in the face of China's growing assertiveness and North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons developments.

They cited Abe's recent drives to strengthen Japan-U.S. ties, such as enacting the controversial security laws that enable the Self-Defense Forces to fight overseas for the first time since World War II and concluding negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal.