Abe highlights economy after upper house win

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said here Monday that he and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party ( LDP) are resolute to implement economic policies under his growth strategy so as to revitalize Japan's stagnant economy. Abe said at a press conference in the LDP's headquarter after the LDP-led ruling coalition won majority seats in Sunday's upper house election that he will try to make the Japanese people feel the recovery of the nation's economy. The prime minister, who set the theme of a Diet session in autumn as "realizing the growth strategy," also said that economic improvement is vital for social security and stronger diplomacy. As to relations with China, Abe said both countries have to work together to overcome difficulties and hoped to carry out high- level dialogue between the two countries. Japan's relations with neighboring China and South Korea have soured due to territorial disputes and historical issues. However, the prime minister, a well-known hawkish leader, said late Sunday that he will show his respect to those who fought for the country, referring to the issue of visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japanese war dead and 14 war criminals during the World War II. Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of the LDP's small ruing partner New Komeito Party, said Monday that Abe should refrain from visiting the notorious shrine by considering the sentiment of Japan's neighboring countries. Abe also suggested in the press conference that he will reshuffle the current cabinet, saying he will start to choose new cabinet members immediately. But he did not specify the timeline of the reshuffle. Japan's ruling coalition, the LDP and the New Komeito Party, won 76 seats of the 121 seats up for grabs in the upper house election. Along with the uncontested 59, the ruling bloc has a total of 135 seats in the 242-seat chamber, putting an end to the so-called "twisted Diet." The ruling camp also holds an overwhelming majority in the more powerful lower house.