Is Shinzo Abe's popularity waning?

New reforms by PM not favoured by all

Prime Minster Shinzo Abe has recently reached a small milestone in his campaign to improve Japan's position as a global business centre by increasing the number of 'Strategic Special Zones' in Japan from five to eight.

A crucial part of Abe's growth strategy, these zones comprise of cities and regions in Japan granted special powers to help promote economic deregulation and ignite business activity by removing the red tape of regulation.  Deregulated zones like the capital region around Tokyo and the Kansai area is one of the more advanced special zones and home to top Japanese medical schools such as the Kyoto University, Osaka University, and a number of pharmaceutical companies. Kansai is well positioned to promote medical services, and companies participating in medical development projects, suc...