Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, the top contender to succeed Junichiro Koizumi as Japan's prime minister, has published a book of political views he hopes will appeal to young people.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe speaks during an interview in Tokyo July 14, 2006. [Reuters]

"Toward a Beautiful Country" outlines Abe's hawkish stance on revising Japan's pacifist constitution and the legitimacy of the Japanese premier's visits to Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni war shrine, a point of conflict with China and other Asian neighbors, according to Kyodo News agency.

"I wrote the book to show the public what I have been thinking till now, what kind of country I want Japan to be," Abe told reporters Friday. "I would especially like young people to read my book."

The book sells for 767 yen (US$6.60; euro5.27).

Abe routinely tops public opinion polls as a favorite to replace Koizumi, who have pledged to retire in September. He is known for promoting a more assertive Japan in dealing with China and North Korea.

In the book, Abe stresses the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance while outlining the need to also develop stronger ties with India and Australia, Kyodo said.