Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has officially announced he will run in the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in September.

An election win would give him a 3rd term as the leader of the main governing party.

He told reporters he won overwhelming support from the Japanese people when he called a snap general election last year, and that it is his responsibility to respond to the people's mandate.

Abe said Japan faces a turning point in its history over the next few years. He pointed to next year's notable events, such as Emperor Akihito's abdication and the first summit of the Group of 20 nations in the country. He also mentioned the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.

Abe expressed his resolve to take leadership in creating a new nation for a coming era with a new emperor.

He said he is confident he is mentally and physically strong enough to pursue this mission.