Shrewd diplomat in for the long haul

Shinzo Abe comes from a long line of politicians but the hawkish nationalist is now poised to write his name into the record books as Japan’s longest-serving premier.

A shrewd diplomat who has cultivated relations with both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Abe has also cemented power at home and faces almost no political party opposition.

Groomed for power from birth, he is sometimes criticised as arrogant, but has also shown a self-deprecating sense of humour.

As North Korean missiles flew over Japan, he was quick to realise the importance of keeping up strong ties with the US, which provides effectively the only line of defence for the pacifist country.

And he has also cozied up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and tried to heal ties with China, while pushing a nationalist agenda at home. At home, he saw off a surprising challenge from Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike to romp to victory in 2017 snap elections and proved remarkably resilient during weeks of scandal earlier this year that sapped his popularity.

Abe, who turns 64 today, has visited nearly 80 countries and regions.