A leader who governs through ideology rather than for the common good is bound to run into trouble. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has done just that with his right-wing nationalist agenda that has upset China and South Korea, divided public opinion and caused a plunge in the government's approval ratings. The first revamp of his administration since taking office 20 months ago aims to shore up his popularity while sending signals that there is a willingness to ease tensions at home and abroad. But unless policies have broad national backing derived from open public discussion, the effort will be little more than window-dressing.

Consensus-building has been noticeably absent from Abe's policymaking. The cabinet's decision in July to allow Japanese soldiers to serve overseas was a radical break from the pacifist constitution, yet was made without public consultation. A majority of Japanese are not supportive of the move, just as they oppose politicians visiting the Yasukuni Shrine honouring war dead. Despite that, Abe still paid respects there last December.

Abe's reshuffle of the executive of his Liberal Democratic Party with the appointment of a China-friendly secretary general and deputy and raising the number of women in the 18-member cabinet from two to five lifts hopes. Conciliatory overtures to neighbours were quick in coming, with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, one of the few to retain his old post, expressing an eagerness for high-level talks with Beijing, and new female Trade and Industry Minister Yuko Obuchi calling for improved ties with China and South Korea.