A third generation conservative politician with bold, populist policies and a modern, telegenic appeal, Shinzo Abe seemed an ideal fit to the post of Japanese prime minister.
He even seemed up to the onerous task of succeeding the flamboyant Junichiro Koizumi, whose more than five years in the post had made him the longest serving Japanese PM in three decades.

However, while Mr Koizumi rode out a series of scandals and slumps to repeatedly win back the Japanese public's affections, Mr Abe's prime ministerial trajectory plotted a resolutely downward course. He failed to last even a year.
....
It was a foreign policy issue - Mr Abe's desire to extend Japan's support role for US-led forces in Afghanistan - which eventually undid him, with the opposition threatening to block the legislation in the upper house.