An ample win for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the Japanese elections was less an endorsement than it was punishment of the Democratic Party for wayward governance during its tenure. The people were saying: Enough gutting of the national spirit and wealth; the policy shambles; endless stimulus plans that went nowhere; a political class that does not lead but excels at infighting. It was a reprimand directed at both the main parties. Presumptive prime minister Shinzo Abe has acknowledged the subtlety in the verdict, telling supporters his new government will be under probation (with Upper House elections due next year). In the event, a two-thirds majority handed to the LDP gives the coalition and its old partner, the New Komeito, an opportunity to break the legislative deadlock which hobbled the current government. It is a precious enabler for decisive policymaking which Abe should use wisely.

The best way for him to live up to voters' expectations is to take the country forward by raising jobs and income. But alas, Abe's post-election remarks were prominent for their mention of the islands dispute with China, over which he declared darkly that there was "no room for negotiation". Wedded to a campaign pledge to strengthen national security by reviewing the war-renouncing Constitution, his thinking speaks of an ideological obsession that is out of sync with public opinion, which places the economy and the future above everything else. Japan also has territorial disputes with South Korea and Russia. What might he do next?

Abe could have intended his remarks for a nationalist base which played a part in his regaining the LDP leadership. Hopefully, this was the case. The United States, with which he intends to reinforce the security partnership as a bulwark against China, would look askance at any moves by Tokyo that would upset the balance among the North Asia troika.

Looking ahead, much can be done to revitalise the economy, which has fallen into its fourth recession in a decade. Has Japan lost the drive to excel? Great brands like Sony and Toyota are under siege. The educated young are demoralised, taking what contract work is available. The old are anxious. There is the energy policy that needs to be settled. Japan will be hard-pressed to achieve its industrial second wind if the nuclear option is rejected. It remains the safest and cleanest, Fukushima notwithstanding. Then there is the shattered north-east to rebuild. The rehousing of victims displaced by the tsunami and nuclear blasts has been incomplete surprisingly. Abe has much to do but not much time to get things right. Given his strong mandate, he should get cracking.