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

The nation's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is preparing to confront her primary diplomatic test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for crucial negotiations in the Japanese capital.

The agenda of their summit is likely to revolve around economic and security topics, marking a pivotal juncture for Japan's relationship with its influential partner.

The Significant Leadership and International Debut

The new PM, who recently became Japan's first female prime minister after winning the leadership of the ruling LDP, made her global debut at the recent Asean meeting.

However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is seen as the real challenge that will set the tone for coming two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and Global Pressures

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

This means, her government will depend on other MPs to approve laws, adding a layer of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Interests

Takaichi shares Trump's suspicion of Chinese defense activities in the region, but both countries have faced issues from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thailand and Cambodia authorities on the initial leg of his Asia tour.

Defense Expansion and Budget Pledges

The leader has expressed her determination to accelerate Japan's defense build-up, planning to increase military spending to two percent of gross domestic product by the end of March.

This move aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and signifies the biggest defense expansion for the nation since the Second World War.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including cruise weapons from the United States, and plans to deploy locally made extended-range systems.

But, the two-way defense agreement is still a point of strain, with the former president previously stating that the nation should pay more for stationing US troops on its territory.

Trade Outlook and Talks

Not many expect significant concessions on trade matters during the visit, especially after latest tariff changes provided some relief to the country's economy.

The PM is expected to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US goods, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Individual Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

He was the initial international figure to meet the then president-elect after his election, and the two developed a close bond over mutual activities such as the sport.

Upcoming Agenda and International Significance

The former president's visit to the country will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

This will be succeeded by talks with the PM at the state guest house, the same location where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is scheduled to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping.