Abe keen to put Japan center stage

In his New Year's speech, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe asserted that Japan will play the role of a global actor in 2016.

"This year will be one in which Japan will shine on the global stage and demonstrate its leadership," Abe said.

Japan will host a G7 summit this year, and Abe plans to visit the six other members of the group - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States - before the leaders put their heads together in May.