🔗 Share this article

The nation's recently chosen leader, Takaichi, is ready to confront her primary diplomatic examination as she sits down with ex-President Trump for high-stakes discussions in the Japanese capital.

Attention of their meeting is anticipated to revolve around economic and defense issues, representing a key moment for Japan's ties with its influential partner.

The Notable Leadership and Global Introduction

The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman prime minister after winning the leadership of the governing LDP, had her global introduction at the latest ASEAN summit.

However, her upcoming meeting with Trump is considered the true challenge that will set the tone for future two-way relations.

Navigating Internal and International Challenges

Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that puts her two seats short of a controlling number in the influential lower house of the Diet.

Consequently, her administration will rely on other lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her governance.

Common Views and Diverging Policies

She holds Trump's wariness of Chinese military presence in the Asia-Pacific, yet both countries have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade policies.

Recently, Trump facilitated a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the initial stage of his Asian tour.

Defense Build-up and Budget Commitments

The leader has stated her determination to speed up Japan's military build-up, aiming to raise military spending to two percent of GDP by the close of the fiscal year.

This step matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and represents the biggest defense expansion for Japan since the WWII.

Defense Cooperation and Strains

The country has also taken steps to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and plans to use domestically developed extended-range systems.

However, the two-way security agreement is still a source of strain, with the former president earlier suggesting that Japan should pay more for hosting American troops on its territory.

Trade Expectations and Negotiations

Few expect significant concessions on economic matters this week, especially after latest duty changes provided a degree of ease to Japan's economy.

The PM is likely to seek additional benefits by promising greater purchases of US products, including vehicles, soybeans, and gas.

Personal Chemistry and the Shinzo Abe Connection

The importance the former president places on individual rapport could work in Takaichi's favor, given her strong relationship with the late former prime minister Abe, who was among his favorite international figures.

Abe was the first international leader to visit the then president-elect after his election, and the pair built a close bond over mutual interests such as golf.

Upcoming Schedule and International Significance

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

This will be succeeded by discussions with the PM at the state guest house, the very location where he held talks with Abe in previous years.

Afterward, Trump will proceed to South Korea for the APEC summit, where he is set to engage with China's leader Xi Jinping.