Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Hopes to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Crucial Negotiations with Trump.

Japan's newly elected prime minister, Takaichi, is ready to confront her initial significant diplomatic test as she meets ex-President Trump for crucial discussions in Tokyo.

The focus of their encounter is likely to center on economic and security issues, representing a key juncture for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after securing the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her international debut at the recent Asean summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with the former president is considered the true challenge that will establish the direction for coming bilateral cooperation.

Managing Domestic and International Challenges

The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that leaves her a couple of votes short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass legislation, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.

Shared Perspectives and Diverging Policies

Takaichi shares the former president's suspicion of China's defense activities in the region, yet both nations have faced challenges from his "America-first" trade policies.

Lately, the former president facilitated a truce agreement between Thai and Cambodia authorities during the first leg of his Asia visit.

Military Expansion and Spending Commitments

Takaichi has stated her commitment to speed up Japan's military expansion, planning to increase military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step aligns with a long-held request from Trump and represents the biggest military expansion for Japan since the Second World War.

Security Cooperation and Tensions

Japan has also moved to acquire "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range systems.

However, the bilateral defense treaty remains a point of tension, with the former president earlier stating that the nation should contribute more for hosting US forces on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Not many anticipate major agreements on economic issues during the visit, especially after recent tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by committing to increased purchases of American goods, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Abe Connection

The importance Trump places on personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong ties with the late ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.

Abe was the first international figure to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair developed a close bond over shared activities such as the sport.

Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Implications

Trump's visit to Japan will begin with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in the capital.

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same location where Trump met with the former leader in 2019.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with China's president Xi Jinping.