Japan's New Prime Minister Hopes to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Important Discussions with Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic examination as she engages with former US President Trump for important talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is expected to focus on trade and security matters, signaling a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

A Significant Leadership and Global Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female leader after securing the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her international introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

But, her forthcoming talks with Trump is considered the real test that will establish the direction for coming bilateral relations.

Handling Domestic and Global Pressures

Takaichi faces a possibly shaky government situation, having established a coalition that puts her a couple of votes away of a majority in the powerful chamber of the Diet.

This means, her administration will rely on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a layer of difficulty to her governance.

Shared Views and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each nations have faced issues from Trump's "America-first" economic approach.

Recently, the former president facilitated a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the initial leg of his Asian tour.

Military Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has expressed her determination to speed up Japan's military expansion, aiming to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This step matches a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Strains

Japan has also moved to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.

But, the two-way defense treaty remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier stating that Japan should contribute more for stationing American forces on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Negotiations

Not many expect major agreements on trade matters during the visit, particularly after recent duty changes offered some ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional relief by promising greater acquisitions of American products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance Trump places on personal rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to meet Trump after his election, and the pair built a close relationship over mutual interests such as the sport.

Upcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to the country will start with a audience with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

It will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the official residence, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's president Xi Jinping.