Abstract

Since 2012 Japan’s security policy toward China has changed when compared to Shinzo Abe’s first tenure in 2006. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s charismatic leadership is an important factor explaining this change. Abe faltered in his first term because he failed to win public trust due to poor leadership. When he returned to power in 2012, Abe strengthened his political authority by utilizing dynamic international and domestic situations more fruitfully. Abe effectively used the conditions of changing international order, especially China’s rise that created public concerns and defense budget reduction of the United States to normalize Japan’s military power. Abe also achieved equal footing with the United States. Domestically, while Abe appointed politicians with similar views, he included several non-LDP politicians to avoid the stigma of having a “cabinet of friends.” The LDP-CGP coalition’s expanded decisional latitude combined with the Abe-centered cabinet contributed to achieving Shinzo Abe’s political aims.