The New PM Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Crucial Discussions with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary foreign policy challenge as she meets former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The agenda of their meeting is likely to revolve around economic and defense topics, marking a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

A Notable Leadership and Global Debut

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

However, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Domestic and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her government will rely on other MPs to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Shared Perspectives and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "US-first" trade policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and plans to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should pay more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect major concessions on economic matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided some ease to the country's export sector.

The PM is expected to seek further benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The importance the former president attributes to individual rapport could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.

He was the initial foreign leader to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a strong bond over shared activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

The former president's visit to Japan will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the royal residence in the capital.

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where he met with the former leader in previous years.

Subsequently, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi.