Japan's New Prime Minister Seeks to Leverage Abe's Legacy in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.

The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she sits down with former US President Trump for crucial discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and security issues, signaling a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful ally.

A Significant Premiership and Global Introduction

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially unstable political landscape, having formed a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes short of a majority in the powerful lower house of parliament.

Consequently, her administration will depend on other lawmakers to approve legislation, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, yet both nations have faced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, the former president facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodian forces during the first leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise military spending to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president previously stating that Japan should contribute more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue further relief by committing to greater acquisitions of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The importance Trump attributes to individual rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Abe, who was among Trump's favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as golf.

Upcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

The former president's trip to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the official residence, the very venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi Jinping.