Back on track?

“I HOPE Ambassador Kennedy will enjoy the full package of Japan,” gushed Shinzo Abe on April 12th as he took America’s ambassador, Caroline Kennedy, on a test ride on Japan’s new magnetic-levitation train past Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms of spring. For Mr Abe, who is lobbying for America to use Japanese technology to construct maglev systems on its east coast, it was also a chance to show off the full package of the American alliance before Barack Obama’s visit to Tokyo from April 23rd to 25th (see Banyan).

After a difficult few months, Mr Abe seems to recognise the need to reassure Japan’s main ally about his government’s intentions. His visit last year to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, where high-ranking war criminals are honoured, drew protests from the country’s neighbours, especially China. The United States declared itself “disappointed” with Mr Abe.