Shinzo's just been on...

...slamming a new, pugnacious message into the ears of the assembled members at the opening of the extraordinary session of the Diet.

He clearly has a new speech stylist--the address was just non-stop aggression, from start to finish. No quiet moments, no place to catch your breath, no dynamic shifts--just relentless pounding, like a Rammstein performance.

Mr. Abe seemed to be promising to end income inequality, raise Japan's reputation in the world, respond to the message the people sent him on July 29, guarantee economic growth through continued reform and repeal, if possible, the law of gravity.

Instant analysis from a voice of reason two cubicles over:

"What a shameful speech. According to Abe-san, we are all going to Heaven!"