Japan's New Prime Minister Seeks to Utilize Shinzo Abe's Legacy in Key Negotiations with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is preparing to face her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with ex-President Donald Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their summit is expected to center on trade and security matters, representing a critical moment for Japan's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just became Japan's first female leader after securing the top position of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent Asean summit.

But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the true challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way cooperation.

Handling Internal and International Pressures

The prime minister confronts a potentially unstable government situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential chamber of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve laws, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Policies

She holds Trump's suspicion of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet each countries have faced issues from his "America-first" economic policies.

Recently, Trump oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia forces on the first stage of his Asia visit.

Military Build-up and Spending Pledges

Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military expansion, planning to raise defense expenditure to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This move aligns with a longstanding request from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for the nation since the WWII.

Defense Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also taken steps to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to use domestically developed longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a source of strain, with Trump earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for stationing US forces on its soil.

Economic Outlook and Talks

Not many anticipate major concessions on trade matters this week, particularly after latest duty adjustments offered some ease to Japan's export sector.

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

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in the PM's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Shinzo Abe, who was among Trump's preferred international figures.

Abe was the first foreign figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Implications

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

It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the official residence, the very venue where Trump held talks with the former leader in 2019.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is set to meet Chinese president Xi.