Japan PM Shinzo Abe wins snap election, promises strong 'counter-measures' against North Korea

Incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe retained a two-thirds majority after calling a snap election in September, promising to exert "stronger pressure" on North Korea.

Mr Abe, of the Liberal Democrat Party (LDP), called the election hoping to achieve a greater mandate, laying out plans to deal with current "crises", including the growing threat posed by Pyongyang.

He has been accused of pandering to nationalist sentiment, recovering from plummeting popularity ratings only after promising to "dramatically show counter-measures against the North Korea threat".

In August, the Japanese government issued a warning to its citizens after North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan that crashed in the Pacific ocean.

The LDP's natural opponent, the Democratic Party, imploded earlier this year following a turbulent leadership struggle, leading to many of its candidates standing as independents.

In a press conference, Mr Abe said: "I will make sure the Japanese public is safe, and safeguard our nation...My immediate task is to deal with North Korea. It will take tough diplomacy. With the mandate given by the people, I would like to exercise my command in diplomacy."

US President Donald Trump called to congratulate Abe on Sunday night. A spokesman said the two leaders spoke of being united on the need to increase pressure on North Korea.

Controversially, Mr Abe has called for the country's armed forces to be formalised. The Japanese Constitution, drawn up in the aftermath of World War II, prohibits war as a means of settling international disputes and sharply limits the power of the armed forces.

Since his ruling coalition, a partnership with the centre-right Komeito party, won 313 of the 465 seats, however, he has now acquired the power to propose revisions to the constitution.

Having been elected in 2012, the election result also raises Mr Abe's chances of securing a third three-year term as leader of the LDP when the party votes next September.

This means he may become Japan's longest serving prime minister, beating the current record of seven years and ten months.