The Recently Appointed PM Seeks to Utilize Abe's Legacy in Crucial Discussions with Donald Trump.

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is set to undertake her primary diplomatic challenge as she sits down with ex-President Donald Trump for high-stakes negotiations in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around trade and defense matters, representing a pivotal juncture for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

A Historic Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who just assumed the role of Japan's first female prime minister after securing the top position of the governing LDP, made her international introduction at the latest Asean meeting.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Navigating Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a partnership that leaves her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to approve laws, introducing a element of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Views and Diverging Policies

She holds the former president's suspicion of Chinese defense presence in the region, but each countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her commitment to speed up Japan's defense build-up, planning to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP by the end of March.

This step matches a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the largest defense buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

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

However, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with Trump previously stating that the nation should pay more for hosting American troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent tariff adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.

The PM is likely to pursue additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of US goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Shinzo Abe Link

The value the former president places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the first international figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the two built a close relationship over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and International Significance

Trump's trip to Japan will begin with a audience 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 he met with Abe in 2019.

Afterward, the former president will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.