Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is girding for a showdown in parliament over naval back-up for US-led military operations in Afghanistan, but voters say they would rather he focused on pensions and healthcare.

Abe hinted at the weekend he will resign if parliament fails to pass a law continuing Japanese refueling support in the Indian Ocean for the US-led force in Afghanistan. The support began in 2001 and its current mandate ends on November 1.

While calling off the mission might sour ties with the United States - which has said the support is vital - excessive focus on the issue could prove another misstep for Abe, who is often accused of being out of touch with ordinary people.