The Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Important Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy examination as she engages with ex-President Trump for crucial talks in the Japanese capital.

The focus of their encounter is anticipated to focus on trade and defense topics, representing a pivotal moment for Japan's relationship with its influential ally.

The Notable Leadership and International Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after securing the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, made her international introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a possibly unstable political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her a couple of votes short of a majority in the influential chamber of parliament.

Consequently, her government will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Interests

She shares the former president's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the region, yet each nations have experienced challenges from Trump's "America-first" economic policies.

Lately, the former president oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodian forces on the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Budget Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and represents the biggest defense buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Security Partnership and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and intends to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

However, the bilateral security agreement is still a point of tension, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should contribute more for stationing US troops on its soil.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade issues during the visit, particularly after recent duty adjustments offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is expected to pursue additional relief by promising greater purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Connection

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could work in the PM's advantage, given her strong ties with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred international figures.

He was the first foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the pair developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Implications

Trump's trip to the country will start with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

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

Afterward, the former president will travel to South Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.