Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has a mission. As explained in his 2007 biography and pointedly reconfirmed in his February speech at Pacific Forum, he wants to ensure that Japan remains in the first tier of nations and make it “a rules-promoter, a commons’ guardian, and an effective ally and partner to the US and other democracies.” It’s an ambitious vision, and one that all friends of Japan should welcome and help him realize. The world needs a Japan that is healthy, outward-oriented, and ready to assume responsibilities as a democracy and economic power.