The New Prime Minister Aims to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her initial significant diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial negotiations in Tokyo.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to focus on economic and defense issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Premiership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female leader after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, had her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will depend on other lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds the former president's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have experienced challenges from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia forces during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a long-held demand from Trump and signifies the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

The country has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should pay more for stationing US forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic issues during the visit, especially after latest duty adjustments provided some relief to the country's export sector.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by committing to increased acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.