The Japanese government eventually stepped in to buy the islands from private owners , provoking a sharp rebuke from Beijing and anti-Japanese protests across China . Japan 's last year 's begins with campaign speeches in Abe . Polls show LDP is likely to return to power , led by Shinzo Abe . Fukushima is a former prime minister who stepped down citing health reasons in 2007 . Japan is struggling with economic contraction and the aftermath of 2007 nuclear disaster .
Japan 's last year 's begins with campaign speeches in Abe . Polls show LDP is likely to return to power , led by Shinzo Abe . Fukushima is a former prime minister who stepped down citing health reasons in 2007 . Japan is struggling with economic contraction and the aftermath of 2007 nuclear disaster .