The landslide victory of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party or LDP, in Sunday's general election is a strong endorsement of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his economic reforms at home. This report from Jill McGivering:

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He's also fulfilled his promise to broaden the public appeal of the LDP. Although it's been in power almost constantly for decades, its old fashioned image as male, elderly and out of touch with modern Japan alienated many young voters. Mr Koizumi, himself charismatic and popular, has introduced younger, more colourful candidates. Japan now has more female members of the Lower House than ever before.

But Mr Koizumi's continuing rise is likely to cause concern amongst Japan's neighbours. Many in China and South Korea see him as a hawkish nationalist, insensitive to the pain caused by Japan's military history and eager to see Japan expand its role on the world stage.

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domestic issues
issues of concern within a country (here, Japan)

landmark economic reforms
important changes to the laws and systems concerned with money, industry and trade

decisive
clear

far-reaching
affect a great many people (here, ‘the consequences’, or the effects, of the election result will be ‘far-reaching’)

where power is usually diluted by the check and balance of rival factions and coalition politics
where power is usually made weaker by the influence of competing political groups and political groups who are working together to achieve their aims

fulfilled his promise
done what he said he would do

broaden the public appeal
here, widen, or increase, the attractiveness (of the Liberal Democratic Party) to all the people in Japan

out of touch
not aware of the current situation and recent changes

charismatic
attractive, inspiring

a hawkish nationalist
someone who is ‘hawkish’ believes in using strength to achieve something; a ‘nationalist’ wants to obtain political independence for a particular group of people

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