Japan's Recently Appointed PM Hopes to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Important Discussions with Trump.

The nation's recently chosen leader, Sanae Takaichi, is preparing to face her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their summit is anticipated to center on economic and security matters, marking a key moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's initial woman leader after securing the leadership of the governing LDP, made her global debut at the recent ASEAN meeting.

But, her upcoming talks with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

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

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She shares Trump's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, but both countries have experienced issues from Trump's "US-first" economic approach.

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

Defense Build-up and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, aiming to increase defense expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This move matches a longstanding request from Trump and signifies the biggest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the United States, and plans to use locally made longer-range systems.

But, the two-way security treaty is still a point of tension, with the former president previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Economic Outlook and Negotiations

Few expect major agreements on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff adjustments provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is likely to pursue additional relief by committing to greater acquisitions of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link

The value Trump attributes to personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred world leaders.

Abe was the initial foreign figure to visit the then president-elect after his victory, and the two built a close bond over shared activities such as golf.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance

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

It will be followed by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with Abe in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.