Japan's New Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Shinzo Abe's Connection in Key Talks with Donald Trump.

Japan's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is set to confront her first major foreign policy test as she sits down with ex-President Trump for important negotiations in Tokyo.

The agenda of their encounter is anticipated to center on trade and security issues, marking a key juncture for Japan's ties with its powerful partner.

The Historic Premiership and Global Debut

Takaichi, who just assumed the role of Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing Liberal Democratic Party, made her global introduction at the recent ASEAN summit.

However, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is seen as the true challenge that will establish the direction for future two-way relations.

Managing Domestic and International Pressures

The prime minister faces a potentially shaky political situation, having formed a coalition that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass legislation, adding a element of difficulty to her leadership.

Shared Views and Differing Interests

Takaichi holds Trump's wariness of Chinese defense presence in the region, yet each countries have experienced challenges from his "US-first" trade approach.

Lately, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thai and Cambodian authorities during the first stage of his Asian visit.

Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments

Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military expenditure to 2% of GDP by the end of March.

This step aligns with a long-held request from the former US leader and represents the largest defense buildup for the nation since the Second World War.

Security Partnership and Strains

Japan has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" capabilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range systems.

But, the bilateral defense agreement is still a source of strain, with Trump previously suggesting that the nation should contribute more for hosting US troops on its soil.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few anticipate significant agreements on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty changes offered some ease to the country's export sector.

Takaichi is expected to pursue further benefits by committing to increased purchases of US products, including vehicles, agricultural produce, and natural gas.

Personal Rapport and the Abe Link

The importance the former president attributes to personal chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her close relationship with assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

He was the initial foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close relationship over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with Takaichi at the official residence, the very location where he met with Abe in previous years.

Subsequently, Trump will proceed to the Republic of Korea for the APEC meeting, where he is scheduled to engage with Chinese president Xi Jinping.