The New PM Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Important Negotiations with Donald Trump.

Japan's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is likely to center on trade and defense issues, representing a pivotal juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its influential ally.

A Historic Premiership and International Introduction

Takaichi, who recently assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, had her international debut at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister faces a possibly shaky government landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her two seats short of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Interests

She holds Trump's suspicion of China's military activities in the region, but each countries have faced challenges from his "US-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thailand and Cambodian authorities on the initial stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Commitments

The leader has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made extended-range missiles.

But, the bilateral security treaty remains a point of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Talks

Not many anticipate significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes offered a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in the PM's advantage, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the pair developed a strong bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is set to engage with Chinese president Xi.