To many observers the election of the “hawkish” 52-year old Abe Shinzo as Prime Minister by the National Diet on September 26, 2006 appeared to complete Japan’s transition from the “penitent” pacifism that defined its policy towards China during much of the four decade long Cold War to a new era of assertive nationalism. In his first policy address to a joint meeting of both houses of the Diet on September 29, 2006, Abe pledged to bring about a “beautiful” Japan based on traditional culture and values, and “a country that is trusted, respected, and loved in the world, and which demonstrates leadership.
