The world will watch in anticipation as to how this plays out. Abe's continued efforts to amend the Constitution & allow nationalists in his cabinet have made him generally unpopular among the Japanese people, especially with the younger generations of voters who were raised on a pacifist, liberal education. And despite his party's strong grip on power, he managed to implement only a limited track-record. The effects of Abenomics aren't yet clear, & the public isn't yet ready to accept changes to Article 9.
Nevertheless, I think Japan won't rush to shake things up in the Diet. Abe's ability to leverage Japan's strength in foreign relations - & maintaining stability at the top of Japan's political atmosphere - will be critical for Japan in the post-COVID era. I expect him to continue to be a major part of the LDP decision-making process, much like Putin in between his terms &/or Lee Kuan Yew after his retirement.
