Abe Elected; Leads To Uncertainty - Economist

There is "uncertainty" over how former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has been elected as the new leader of Japan's main opposition party, will tackle impending economic and foreign policies as well as the country's energy issue, says Kenji Yumoto, vice chairman of Japan Research Institute. "Unless Mr. Abe makes his stance on those issues clear, people won't get a sense of relief about him," Yumoto says. Mr. Abe is seen as keen to change the country's constitution and the BOJ's law, but he may not be so well-versed about economic policies, which is a concern, Yumoto adds. "Mr. Abe is known for being conservative, there is also a worry about how he will handle worsening relations with China and South Korea," says Yumoto.