The ghost of Shinzo Abe looms large over Japan’s LDP election

Candidates in the upcoming Japanese LDP election grapple in different ways with the legacy of Shinzo Abe. Alignment with the late prime minister, particularly on foreign policy and security, are most evident in candidates’ support for strengthening the US-Japan alliance and balancing against China. While some candidates propose new ideas, the policy spectrum remains largely within Abe's pragmatic and idealistic approach. The election will reveal that Abe's legacy will continue to shape Japan's political landscape for the foreseeable future.