Japan's New Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Legacy in Key Discussions with Donald Trump.

Japan's newly elected leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to undertake her first major foreign policy examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.

The focus of their meeting is anticipated to center on trade and security topics, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.

The Historic Leadership and International Debut

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

But, her upcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Managing Internal and Global Pressures

The prime minister deals with a possibly shaky political landscape, having formed a partnership that puts her two seats away of a majority in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, adding a element of complexity to her leadership.

Common Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's wariness of Chinese military presence in the region, but both nations have experienced issues from his "US-first" economic approach.

Lately, the former president oversaw a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities during the first stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Spending Pledges

The leader has stated her commitment to accelerate Japan's defense expansion, aiming to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held demand from Trump and represents the largest military buildup for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and intends to use locally made longer-range missiles.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should pay more for hosting American forces on its territory.

Economic Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect major concessions on economic matters this week, particularly after latest tariff adjustments offered some relief to Japan's economy.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased acquisitions of American goods, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and natural gas.

Individual Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit the PM's favor, given her close ties with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite world leaders.

He was the first international figure to visit Trump after his victory, and the two built a strong bond over shared interests such as golf.

Forthcoming Schedule and Regional Significance

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

This will be followed by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, the former president will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.