The world is getting increasingly discordant. Downright weird, even.
Europe’s banks need 150 billion euros of recapitalization, and possibly more. US bonds and stocks are hitting all-time new highs, despite the fact that corporate earnings are way below where they were last time equities were near these record price levels.
The pound rises and falls dramatically as each new UK PM-wannabe drops out of the race.
The whole world now waits to see which central bank is up next to do the heavy lifting for the next round of stock and bond propping.
And so Japan is now front and center on that stage again. Especially since Bernanke just traveled there to conclude a "secret" meeting with Prime Minister Abe and Bank of Japan head Kuroda.
There’s Something About Abe
For years now, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been running an infamous monetary and fiscal experiment in Japan. Yet his party just secured a critical number of seats in the most recent election.
On the surface, this news may not seem like such a big deal. It is, and we’ll discuss why in a moment.
But first, the news:
Japan PM Shinzo Abe claims victory in parliamentary election
Jul 10, 2016
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has claimed victory in an election for the upper house of parliament, saying voters backed his economic policies.
Exit polls suggest his coalition will win most of the 121 seats in contention, increasing its majority.
If he secures a two-thirds majority to match that in the lower house, he could hold a vote on constitutional change, easing constraints on military action.
(Source)
With a majority for his party in both the lower and upper houses, the way is now clear for Abe to approach amending Japan's Constitution. Specifically Article 9, the ‘pacifism clause’ which forbids Japan from fighting wars abroad.
As reader Mark Cochrane rightly asked in a recent comment:
Why would a country with a failing economy, an aging demographic, and an iron clad security guarantee from the 'World's only remaining superpower' suddenly need the right to make war in foreign lands?
by hughk 
