Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) looks on as lawmakers raise their hands shouting "banzai!" (Hurrah!) after the dissolution of the Lower House of the Parliament in Tokyo Cheap St. Louis Cardinals Jersey , Japan, on Thursday. Photo: IC
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved parliament Thursday, effectively kicking off a national election campaign where he faces an unexpected and formidable challenge from the popular governor of Tokyo.


Members of the lower house raised their arms and shouted "Banzai" three times - the Japanese equivalent of "three cheers" - after the speaker read out a letter officially dissolving the chamber.


Voters in the world's third-biggest economy will go to the polls on October 22, as Abe seeks a fresh popular mandate for his hardline stance on North Korea and a new tax plan.


"A difficult battle starts today," Abe told reporters Cheap Seattle Mariners Jersey , shaking his fist.


"This is an election about how to protect the lives of people," said the premier. "We have to cooperate with the international community as we face the threat from North Korea."


Abe asked for public support for his "strong diplomacy" on Kim Jong-un's regime, which has threatened to "sink" Japan into the sea and fired missiles over its northern Hokkaido island twice in the space of a month.


"We need to fight for our children's future."


Abe stunned Japan on Monday with a surprise call for a snap election, seeking to capitalize on a weak opposition and a boost in the polls, as voters welcome his hawkish policy toward Pyongyang.


But Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has upended Japanese politics in recent days [url=http://www.cheapmlbcustomjerseys.com/cheap-custom-san-francisco-giants-jer