The New Prime Minister Hopes to Leverage Shinzo Abe's Influence in Crucial Negotiations with Donald Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Takaichi, is ready to undertake her first major foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Donald Trump for high-stakes discussions in Tokyo.
The agenda of their meeting is likely to center on economic and security topics, signaling a pivotal moment for Tokyo's relationship with its powerful ally.
A Notable Leadership and Global Debut
Takaichi, who recently became Japan's first female leader after winning the top position of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest Asean summit.
However, her forthcoming talks with the former president is considered the true test that will set the tone for coming bilateral relations.
Handling Domestic and International Challenges
The prime minister confronts a potentially shaky government situation, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the powerful lower house of parliament.
This means, her administration will depend on opposition MPs to approve legislation, introducing a element of difficulty to her leadership.
Common Perspectives and Differing Interests
She shares Trump's wariness of China's military activities in the region, yet both countries have faced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.
Recently, Trump facilitated a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodian authorities during the first leg of his Asian tour.
Military Build-up and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to speed up Japan's defense build-up, aiming to increase military expenditure to 2% of gross domestic product by the end of March.
This move aligns with a longstanding demand from Trump and signifies the biggest military buildup for Japan since the WWII.
Defense Cooperation and Tensions
The country has also taken steps to obtain "retaliatory" abilities, including Tomahawk weapons from the US, and intends to deploy locally made longer-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump previously suggesting that Japan should pay more for stationing American forces on its territory.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Not many anticipate major concessions on economic issues during the visit, particularly after latest tariff changes provided a degree of relief to Japan's export sector.
Takaichi is expected to seek additional benefits by promising increased purchases of US products, including pickup trucks, soybeans, and gas.
Individual Rapport and the Abe Link
The importance Trump places on individual rapport could benefit Takaichi's favor, given her close relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's preferred world leaders.
He was the initial foreign figure to meet Trump after his victory, and the pair built a strong relationship over shared interests such as the sport.
Forthcoming Agenda and Regional Significance
The former president's trip to Japan will begin with a meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
It will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the same venue where Trump met with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec meeting, where he is scheduled to meet China's leader Xi Jinping.