Japan's Takaichi Advances Defense Spending Amid Trump Visit, Faces Political Challenges

Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country's first female leader, has formed a conservative coalition government with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), replacing the previous coalition with the pacifist-leaning Komeito. This new alliance, sharing a right-wing agenda, empowers Takaichi to pursue more assertive security policies including revising Japan's pacifist constitution, strengthening the military to deter China, loosening arms export restrictions, and possibly adopting a U.S.-style nuclear-sharing arrangement. She is pushing for a significant military buildup, aiming to double defense spending to 2% of GDP, accelerated ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, signaling Japan's commitment to a greater defense role amid regional tensions. Takaichi also outlined an ambitious domestic policy roadmap focusing on economic revival, inflation relief, and political stability, emphasizing collaboration across political lines to restore public trust and national prosperity. However, her government remains fragile, holding a slim majority in the Diet, which may limit her ability to fully implement her agenda. Her upcoming diplomatic engagements with President Trump will test her leadership and ability to navigate complex security challenges in Northeast Asia, particularly relations with China.